--Previous Message--
: During the year between the late King's death
: and cremation, can he have been either
: reincarnated or achieved nirvana? Or can he
: only move on after his mortal remains have
: been cremated?
:
:

As I understand, cremation is not a necessity in Buddhism, but more a tradition. So rebirth is possible after 49 days after death (intermediate state), decided by the balance of Karma.

Those with great merits may not go through this intermediate state and go directly to The Heavens. The same for those who have attained Pure Land Rebirth upon their death - those who have reached during Samsara the whole state of mindfulness.

You may find some intersting informations here.

Apologies, if I should have understood some of these Buddhist principles wrong!