The Regent of the King

Royalists believe that all Terrans must prepare for the King's return by obeying the precepts of Royalism as prescribed by the Synod of Nations. A small number of Royalists subscribe to the notion that the King is an historical figure, not an allegorical one, and that all political allegiance is owed to the movement, specifically to the Royalist Prime, as the Regent in the King’s absence.

Though most Terrans no longer believe in Royalism, they still celebrate its holidays and the values of Royalism still influence societal values since ancient Royalism was common to most cultures.

Royalists are divided into three major sects: Royalists, Ar’chaists, and Isians. All three sects see themselves as the true Royalists. Other smaller sects have arisen over the years, but faded into obscurity or became subdivisions of the three main sects of Royalism. The exposure of the Ar’chay Order and the Isian Reformists after the destruction of City of Heaven signified for many the inevitable collapse of political Royalism on Terra. While Royalists remain a viable percentage of the population, Royalism's influence has waned even further with the revelation of these secret societies, partially influenced by the leadership of the Royalist Prime.

The Royalist Prime is the supreme head of the Royalist Movement in the absence of the King. Royalist Primes hold their position for life, unless removed from office by three successive two-thirds votes of senior Royalist leadership worldwide.

Royalist Primes are viewed by the radical wings of the movement as the supreme authority on Terra. Those committed to Royalism's political rule believe that the Royalist Prime is the rightful political leader of the planet in the King’s absence. Terra has not been subject to a Royalist Prime since 923 ATH. However, following the death of Royalist Prime Ebtisam Ardmunh’, an end was declared to the succession of the Regency by the sole choice of the Royalist Prime. The edict to select a new Prime by vote of the Synod leadership was put into effect following the death of Ardmunh'.

It was imperative to all that the first elected Prime be chosen unanimously. As a result the Primory was vacant for three years. In the absence of a Royalist Prime, and to avert what some regarded as a coming polifaith crisis, Parliament ordered the President of the Upper House to take charge of the Synod’s global administration. There was a short-lived dispute between Parliament and the Synod, but a compromise was reached when the President of Upper House publicly declared his loyalty to the Synod, yet refused to assume its leadership. Historians regard the move as purely political, since the ensuing years brought ever decreasing influence for the Synod until it had lost nearly all political power, relegating Royalist Primes to a position merely of influence within Terran society and no longer part of the legal ruling class.