(1922–2012), Cambodian king 1941–55 and 1993–2004, prime minister 1955–60, and head of state 1960–70 and 1975–6. After Cambodian independence in 1953, Sihanouk abdicated in favour of his father in order to become prime minister. On his father's death Sihanouk proclaimed himself head of state. He was ousted in a US-backed coup and was briefly reinstated by the Khmer Rouge. Sihanouk reigned as king for the second time from 1993 until 2004.