King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath departed for a routine medical checkup in Beijing on February 26, 2026. (AKP)
On April 10, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and he is currently undergoing a treatment in Beijing. The diagnosis was confirmed following a thorough medical examination conducted by a team of specialists at one of a state hospital in the capital of China. Based on the doctors’ recommendations, the king will remain hospitalised while receiving treatment.
Officials indicated that the treatment process is expected to take approximately one to two months, preventing the king from returning to Cambodia in the immediate future. During his absence, responsibilities related to the functions of head of state will continue to be carried out by Hun Sen, the senate president. Although no statement mention how serious his condition is, the royal family said that further information regarding the king’s health would be released as his treatment progresses.
Beijing has not been an unfamiliar destination for the monarch’s medical visits. King Norodom Sihamoni previously travelled to the Chinese capital in August 2025 for a routine health examination. Another visit was recorded at the end of February this year, when he again underwent medical checks in Beijing. It was only in April, however, that officials confirmed the king had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Following the announcement of the king’s illness, several foreign diplomatic missions in Cambodia expressed their support and extended wishes for his recovery. The European Union Delegation to Cambodia said in a statement on April 11 that it joined the Cambodian people in wishing King Norodom Sihamoni a full and speedy recovery. The delegation also expressed hope that the upcoming Khmer New Year would bring renewed strength to the monarch and continued harmony to the country.
On the same day, the British Embassy in Phnom Penh conveyed its wishes for the king’s swift and full recovery, noting that its thoughts are with the Royal Family and the Cambodian people during this period. Similar sentiments were also expressed by the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, which sent its warmest wishes for the king’s good health, happiness, and longevity. The Embassy of Türkiye in Cambodia also shared a message wishing the monarch a full and speedy recovery, while extending hopes for his continued health and long life.
The messages were delivered as Cambodia prepares to celebrate Khmer New Year, which conveyed hopes that the occasion would bring renewed strength and well-being to King Norodom Sihamoni as he continues undergoing medical treatment.
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