Cambodians mourn former king

Prayers for the late Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk.

Thousands in Phnom Penh took to the streets wearing the traditional funeral color white to grieve the late ruler, who died of a heart attack in Beijing on October 15.

The king was 89 years old.

The procession Tuesday comes is the last day of a week of public mourning set out by the government.

Students, supporters of the opposition parties, union and garment factory workers from across the country flocked to the Royal Palace to pay their last respects.

(SOUNDBITE) (Khmer) 72 YEAR-OLD NUN, CHUON SAVATH SAYING:

"I pray and wish the king father will go to heaven because he did such good things for the Cambodian people."

Sihanouk was an influential figure through decades of political and social turmoil in Cambodia, despite long periods of exile overseas.

He abdicated in 2004 in favour of his son King Norodom Sihamoni.