The Imperial House of Pontesi, also referred to as the Imperial Family, House of Belknap or the Belknap Dynasty, comprises those members of the extended family of the reigning Monarchs of Pontesi who undertake official and public duties. Under the present Constitution of Pontesi, the monarch is the symbol of the state and unity of the people. Other members of the imperial family perform ceremonial and social duties, but have no role in the affairs of government. The duties as an emperor are passed down the line to children and their children's children and so on.