Norodom Sihanouk, the revered former king and independence hero who helped navigate Cambodia through a half-century of war, genocide and upheaval, has died aged 89.
First crowned king by the French in 1941 at the age of 18, Sihanouk ruled as a feudal-style absolute monarch, but called himself a democrat.
The former ruler held considerable power in the 1950s and 1960s.
During that time he helped achieve Cambodia's liberation from French rule in what is now seen as a golden age for an impoverished country long scarred by war.
Despite his self-exile in China, declining health and diminished influence in later years, King Sihanouk still looms large over Cambodia, his portrait commonplace in homes and buildings across the country.
King Sihanouk had abdicated the throne in 2004, citing his poor health. The move paved the way for his son Norodom Sihamoni to take his place.
King Sihamoni flew to China with Prime Minister Hun Sen to retrieve King Sihanouk's body.
State flags flew at half-staff, and Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said an official funeral would be held once the former king's body is repatriated.
