Interesting, though that certainly makes a great deal of sense. How many of them have died in office, I wonder, and how does the death of one affect the other in terms of eligibility? Or would they generally just step down at that point?
Also curious as to just what degree of respect an Emperor or Empress Emeritus would generally get in Imperial society.
Canonically, at least two. (Alphas I Amanyr, which was almost certainly karoshi; and Calan I Amanyr, died of the Gray Wasting during its 12th century outbreak.)
Which is not to say that others haven’t, of course, but it’s not what you might call common.
Imperial Charter, Section V, Article I:
The right of coronargyr over the entire Empire, and consequently the full Imperial Mandate, shall be vested in an Emperor and Empress both, who together shall maintain the title and powers until their death, or until they shall see fit to resign the Throne. Never shall one rule alone.
The diarchy is considered one of the vital checks-and-balances in the structure of the Imperial governance. If half of the Imperial Couple dies, that triggers succession.
Incidentally, this also applies for temporary incapacity, under Article X.
A great deal. Even leaving aside the respect they’ve earned for their past role, by custom previous Imperial Couples are appointed to the Privy Council of Advisors (which serves both as an advisory body and as a pool of talent for the incumbents to draw upon), and being one of the Lords and Others of Their Divine Majesties’ Most Honorable Privy Council is in itself a position of great prestige.
Makes sense to invite them there. Look at the US “former President’s Club” that was available for years. Well, before the current split into hatred of the other side, anyways. But back in the day the US could send Jimmy Carter some place to negotiate peace and it’d be a serious sign of respect and intention to have peace. Even though one time his Handlers told him he had to leave NOW, as the 82nd was 30 minutes out.
