The king never dies.

Explanation

The office of sovereign is perpetual even though the holder changes — governmental continuity survives the death of any individual officer.

Where this applies

• The death of a president does not dissolve the presidency — the office continues seamlessly because the sovereignty of the office is perpetual even though the officeholder is mortal.
• A corporation's CEO dies, but the corporation continues to exist and operate because the legal entity never dies, even though the individuals who lead it do.
• A judge retires, but the judgeship continues and is filled by a successor because the judicial office is permanent regardless of who occupies it.