How does a figurehead retain symbolic power?

King Arthur had Excalibur.

The Chinese during the Warring States era had the Nine Cauldrons.

A millennium before, the cauldrons were used for state sacrifices, and became associated with the highest authority.

Around 300 BC, King Xian of the Eastern Zhou was dealing with all the vassal states that had become powerful. Each wanted the Nine Cauldrons, to take leadership for themselves.

Qin wanted to take the Nine Cauldrons by force. Xian of Zhou asked for help from Qi. Qi's help sent Qin off, but then Qi asked for the Nine Cauldrons. Xian's advisor Yuan Shuai suggested that if Qi took them, how were they going to get them home without another state taking them?

So Zhou held on to the Nine Cauldrons.

We can compare the Nine Cauldrons to the broadcast services and equipment that all successful 20th century revolutions seized.

Control the symbol of power, and you control the people.