The Phoenix Prince was the only officer of the Empire as a whole chosen by any body other than the Sovereign alone, although the Sovereign still chose the candidate for the office. The heir was confirmed by a majority vote of the Consular Assembly, thus giving some measure of control over succession to Consuls and Tribunes (and, by extension of the latter, to the people). Under a Royal edict of 119 ABY, the Phoenix Prince (when there was one) would rule the Empire as Regent in the absence or incapacity of the Sovereign. By law, the heir apparent had to be made an actual prince as well.