The Reigning Power Not Neglected is a principle of social and political conduct articulated by Charles Musgrove in Persuasion, which holds that one should honor and attend to the current authority or head of a family rather than currying favor with the heir presumptive. It stands in direct opposition to the self-interested maneuvering of Mr. William Walter Elliot, who neglects Sir Walter Elliot for years only to seek reconciliation when his own prospects are threatened.