Cambodian king meets his people

By Guy De Launey
BBC, Phnom Penh

King Sihamoni of Cambodia has made his first visit to meet the people, following his crowning last week.

The new monarch gave gifts to elderly and disabled people in Kompong Speu, about 50km outside Phnom Penh.

It was part of his commitment to go to different parts of the country every week.

So far Cambodia's people have only been able to watch their new king from afar. But now they had an opportunity to lay their hands on him.

And it was a chance they accepted with relish.

As the king moved through the crowd on a sports field, he disappeared under a throng of well-wishers.

Profile of King Sihamoni

The only clue that royalty was at the centre of the scrum came from the enormous golden parasol that an attendant held up high.

When he finally emerged, King Sihamoni was treated to an Apsara dance performance.

It must have been a nerve-wracking time for the five girls involved.

They were not just performing for their king - but for an accomplished dancer and choreographer.

One 68-year-old woman who met the king said she was impressed and hoped he would make Cambodia a better place, provide water and rice fields, and make sure the Khmer Rouge did not return.

It is a lot to ask of a monarch whose role is largely ceremonial.

But it is also perhaps a sign that some of his father's charisma has rubbed off on King Sihamoni.