Paris. Princess Buppha Devi (her name means Goddess of Flowers), daughter of the “Premier” of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk and First Dancer of the Royal Ballet of Phnom Penh stepped down from the plane ( in the centre) , followed by her fellow dancers. Princess Buppha Devi came to Paris to perform at the Opera for De Gaulle and her father, Prince Sihanouk in official visit in France. The “Goddess of Flowers” is twenty one years old and only 1,40 meter high. One year ago, she married in second wedding, Bruno Forsinetti, 21, son of the Ambassador of Italy in Cambodia.
General de Gaulle and his wife, together with Ms. Pompidou, greeting HRH Samdech Preah Apyuvareach Norodom Sihanouk and his eldest daughter, HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi at Opera Garnier, July 1964
In summer 1964, HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi went on a successful tournée, following Her Father, HRH Prince Norodom Sihanouk in a State Visit in France. This was the first time the Royal Ballet of Cambodia was granted the Opera de Paris as a privileged stage, before the Theatre Sarah Bernhardt (Théâtre de la Ville nowadays).
HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi leading the Apsara Ballet at the Theatre Sarah Bernhardt, Paris, July 1964
Obviously, the Italian journalists’ attention was taken by the young couple, HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi and Bruno Forsinetti. They were young, beautiful and their story really resembled a fairy tale. Here is the article, which was published in « Tempo », n°29, 18 July 1964
“An Italian for the King’s daughter” Lower left: Bruno Forsinetti with HRH Princess Sisowath Monikossoma, eldest daughter of HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi. Lower right: the famous Parisian hairdresser Alexandre is adjusting the Apsara Crown for Princess Buppha Devi“Behind the graceful face of the Princess is hidden a young mother of two children. General de Gaulle himself thought she was a young girl. The unexpected husband is the son of an Italian diplomat.”
Sisowath Ravivaddhana Monipong 