The government set December 8 as the day of mourning for the late Prince Norodom Ranariddh who passed away on November 28 at the age of 77.

In a circular dated December 3 and signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen, all ministries, institutions, schools, hospitals, military bases and pagodas as well as the general public are instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast.

“The prince performed a great many good deeds for nation, religion and king. On December 8, all radio and TV channels, state and private, must postpone the airing or broadcasting of entertainment programs of a cheerful nature,” Hun Sen said in the circular.

Before his death, Prince Norodom Ranariddh - the son of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and half-brother of King Sihamoni - was the chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council to the King and the president of the FUNCINPEC party, which he founded. In the past, he had also served as first prime minister and president of the National Assembly.