Phnom penh: Born Paule Monique IZZI on June 18, 1936, Her Majesty the Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath has been a significant figure in Cambodia's royal history. As the youngest daughter of Mr. Jean-Fran§ois IZZI, Director of Cr©dit Foncier de Saigon, and Ms. Pomme Peang, she entered into a life of royal duty when she married His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk in April 1952 in Phnom Penh. Their union brought forth two sons, HRH Prince Norodom Sihamoni, now the reigning King of Cambodia, and HRH Prince Norodom Narindrapong, who passed away in 2003.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, before her marriage, Miss Monique IZZI received her education at Norodom Primary School, Sisowath High School, and the Lyc©e Ren© Descartes in Phnom Penh. Her leadership roles began early as she became the President of the Cambodian Red Cross in the 1960s, a position she held until the political upheaval of March 18, 1970. Following this, she spent five years in exile in Beijing until the establishment of Democratic Kampuchea.
From late 1975 to January 1979, Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath experienced house arrest in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh alongside Prince Sihanouk and their children. The 1991 Paris Accords marked the end of her second exile, allowing her to return to Cambodia with Prince Sihanouk in November 1991. Her status was elevated in 1992 to Samdech Preah Cheyea.
In 1993, following the enactment of a new Constitution, Cambodia was reestablished as a kingdom, with Prince Sihanouk ascending the throne as King. Consequently, she was elevated to Her Majesty Preah Mohesey, Queen of Cambodia, under the name Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. Further recognition came on January 2, 1996, when she was accorded the title of Samdech Preah Reach Akka Mohesey by Royal Decree.
With King Norodom Sihamoni's accession to the throne in November 2004, the National Assembly of Cambodia honored her with the title of Samdech Preah Mohaksatrey Vorakreach Meada, affirming her status as Her Majesty the Queen-Mother. Fluent in Khmer, French, and English, Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath remains an emblem of resilience and dedication in Cambodian history.