Why is the story of the prince of Cambodia Narodam Sihanouk considered so relevant for Nepal's Maoists? Because his story is about the collaboration between extremist communism and a reinstated monarchy. Sihanouk built his image by fighting French colonialism, gained a reputation of being a nationalist, and became the head of state with the help of the communists. Nepali Maoists often use him as an example, and respect his book My War with the CIA to expose 'American imperialism'.

Although born to a royal family, Sihanouk was actually put in power by the French. However, in 1953, his fight to liberate Cambodia put him in the centre of Cambodia's politics. He is commended for maintaining peace and stability in Cambodia in 1950s and 60s, but is criticised for the crisis Cambodia went through during the 1970s.

But he became progressively weaker and was unseated by General Lon Nol while visiting the Soviet Union in 1970. While exiled in China, he met Mao, who advised the king to accept himself as a communist.

It was while Sihanouk was in China that Pol Pot wanted to form an alliance so Sihanouk joined hands with the Khmer Rouge to topple Gen Lon Nol's US-backed government. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge came to power and Pol Pot asked Sihanouk to join him. It is understood that Mao played an important role in convincing Sihanouk to return to Cambodia.

Sihanouk returned to Cambodia and was made the president. He resigned later, was put under house arrest and seven members of his family murdered by the Khmer Rouge. After the defeat of the Khmer Rouge, Sihanouk once more returned to Cambodia, and worked with the army to find a solution to the conflict. In 1993 a UN-supervised election was held and Sihanouk was reinstated as the king. But he decided to abdicate in 2004 and his son was made the new king.