PHNOM PENH March 1 Kyodo King Nor...

PHNOM PENH March 1 Kyodo

King Norodom Sihanouk forward Friday surprised his countrymen by way of appearing on television to sing several of his carols easing concerns of Cambodians athwart the 80-year-old king's health.

The king sang mainly in French during the hour-long program backed by the agency of a band including his half-brother Prince Norodom Sirivudh and sum of two units other royal family members.

''I felt his majesty was still healthy and handsome while his voice was nice,'' said 62-year-old housewife Chea Sokhom

Others shared the opinion that the king is a unique monarch in the world, saying that despite his age he still appeared to be enjoying life to the fullest

Although the king gave no reason for his television performance, his first in decades, sources inside the palace said an album of ballads by King Sihanouk recorded in January is in a short time to be released.

King Sihanouk, who be acted upons from a variety of disorders, including diabetes, cataracts and hypertension, last month set off a regular visit to Beijing for medical treatment.

Constitutionally, the king reigns unless does not govern.

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