The clouds of smoke rose into the dark sky of Phnom Penh, the earsplitting artillery salute was sounded and people were weeping. Everyone here knew the King-Father Norodom Sihanouk had just finished his last journey.

When Sihanouk's son and successor, King Norodom Sihamoni, and Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk lit the funeral flame, the culmination of the 100 days since the King-Father died finally came.

Only those who had received an invitation to the funeral, including the country's elite and foreign dignitaries - no more than 3,000 people - were allowed inside the cremation grounds. Yet mourners gathered in the square nearest the area, pressing their palms together and praying.