The 23-year-old royalty has earned the praises of Chinese netizens as the princess who’s “blessed with both beauty and intellect”.
Less than 50 sovereign states in the world today still have a monarchy. While you may be familiar with the UK’s revered Queen Elizabeth and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, you may not have noticed a certain royal figure from our ASEAN neighbour of Cambodia.
Meet Princess Norodom Pongsoriya, the 23-year-old member of the Cambodian royal family who has maintained a low profile until recently.
The young, eligible princess is the daughter of Moniren and Norodom Chakrapong, half-brother of Cambodia’s current king, Norodom Sihamoni, who is still single. Her net worth is uncertain, but she’s certainly not your average girl – being an heiress to a Member of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia.
Take a peek at her Instagram (@soriyanorodom) page below to get to know this Gen Z royalty.
Princess Pongsoriya came on the radar earlier this month when the official Instagram account of the Cambodian royal family shared her graduation photos. Her choice of university quickly became the topic of discussion, since only few of the world’s royals further their education in China.
She reportedly pursued a bachelor’s degree in the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, where she was awarded the most outstanding student on the international degree programmes among the 2020 graduates. This earned her the praises of Chinese netizens as the princess who’s “blessed with both beauty and intellect”.
Speculations arose on whether it was more a political strategy to strengthen the country’s ties with China than just educational decision. After all, her grandmother – the queen mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk – is said to have had close ties with China for decades.
The 84-year old widow of the former king father of Cambodia allegedly visits China every year and resides in Beijing for rehabilitation with King Sihamoni. In 2018, the royal family also received a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan at the Diaoyutai state guest house.
She comes from a large family, with one fully blood-related brother and 11 half-siblings from her father’s seven wives. Naturally, family gatherings tend to be a big, noble affair.
Regardless of her royal duties, Pongsoriya has won the hearts of many after her graduation photos were shared online. Chinese citizens applauded her fashion sense, noting her elegant choice of a high-collared, white lace blouse with intricate patterns.
Whether she’s cruising off somewhere (before the current pandemic, that is), partying with her girlfriends or simply having fun in the sun, this princess sure knows how to dress up and show up.
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We can’t help but notice an extra glow when she’s dolled up in her country’s traditional clothing though!
It’s not hard to tell who she gets her sense of style from:
If we may add, she’s got her makeup game on point too. Those brows, as the Gen Zs might say, are on fleek!
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This was taken 15 mins before I arrived in school to find out there’s no class for today 😌😌😌😌
Just as beautiful on the inside as out, the princess is looked up to by her 14.5 k followers with whom she often shares body positivity and self-care tips.
Follow Princess Pongsoriya on Instagram (@soriyanorodom) for more updates.