ETIQUETTE

King Father Norodom Sihanouk - the very epitome of old-world Franco-Khmer style - has given his admirers a free lesson in savoir vivre (good living) in a recent letter from his Beijing residence. "When one is received by the King, it is not correct to show up in front of His Majesty in ‘two-tone' costumes," he wrote in the letter dated February 3. While suitable for "a sport club" or "a stroll", suits in which the colour of the pants and jacket do not match are categorically unsuitable for a royal audience. "A costume including a jacket and pants made of the same material and colour is of the order, without omitting a plain-colour shirt, and a non-whimsical tie," he wrote. "And do not forget to button the jacket."