nostr:npub1hye323nnrzdelu2zy3862rf2et50c3kvp29nqk59klfts363hktqvlfr7p My point is, with not enough legitimacy, your rule will die with you.

Franco knew that, he understood the Bourbons would provide enough legitimacy at Spain to keep the country united and prevent an internal split of their regions. Even if they do nothing but ceremonial things.

The whole role of a King is create unity among people who are culturally similar but do not identity as the same.

Example: Many countries from Austria-Hungary still honor the Habsburgs, and some of them still have an significant desire for a Monarchy alike, even the Slavic ones.

If you take Communists, their political leaders are nothing but puppets from the coucil, Stalin wanted to retire and couldn't until death.

Nazis are kinda similar, except no real council. The party leader is also who takes the final decision.

Fascists needed a King support to rule. Hitler did that as well before WW2 started. Mosley was a strong Monarchist, pretty sure Primo de Rivera at Spain.