Phnom penh: His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk are scheduled to depart for Beijing on Friday for their routine medical checkup, according to a royal message released Thursday.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Cambodian monarch informed his compatriots through a royal message that he and the Queen Mother would be absent from the country starting February 27 to undergo medical examinations in the Chinese capital.

During the King's absence, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and former Prime Minister, will serve as the acting Head of State.

The Cambodian royals generally travel to China twice a year for medical checkups.

His Majesty the King expressed his gratitude to the nation's Buddhist leadership and citizens, offering blessings of longevity and health before his departure.