PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL<br/> <br />The body of Cambodia's former king in China, after his death in a Beijing hospital at the age of 89.<br/> <br />The royal family and officials gathered to collect Norodom Sihanouk before transportation back to the royal palace in Cambodia.<br/> <br />By his side, Sihanouk's son and current King, along with the Queen Mother.<br/> <br />Sihanouk's coffin was later taken to the airport, while in Cambodia, mourners began gathering to pay their respects.<br/> <br />Despite becoming a puppet during brutal Khmer Rouge rule, Sihanouk was once Cambodia's absolute ruler, who ushered in independence.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: 52-YEAR OLD VEN PHIN SAYING (Khmer):<br/> <br />"Losing the king is like losing a big shade of a tree. But I swear to obey his achievements, to continue to build the country to a prosperous future."<br/> <br />At arrival at the royal palace, Sihanouk will lie in state for three months before his funeral.
