Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 18 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has appealed for nationwide mourning for Princess Norodom Buppha Devi and advised state institutions and private companies to fly the flag at half-mast.

"On 20 November 2019, we must fly the flag at half-mast to mourn for the passing of Princess Buppha Devi to share condolences to our Queen Mother and respect for the princess's contributions to Khmer arts throughout the 1960s. We regret for such the huge loss of our nation and people," the premier addressed before 400 Cambodian athletes on Monday at the Peace Palace.

"Princess was the most important person who helped revive traditional royal ballet."

Cambodian Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, the eldest daughter of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, passed away on Monday of illness at the age of 77, according to an official statement.

"Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, a Privy Counsellor to the King and a Member of the Constitutional Council, passed away on 18 November 2019 at 12:30 p.m. due to illness (at a hospital in Thailand)," the Constitutional Council said in a statement.

Buppha Devi was a half-sibling of current King Norodom Sihamoni. She was formerly the minister of culture and fine arts and was the director of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS