Rasoherina and her successors remained the figureheads of traditional authority , participated in political councils and provided official approval for policies , but the day - to - day governance , security and diplomatic activities of the kingdom principally originated with and were managed by Rainilaiarivony and his counselors .
Rasoherina and her successors remained the figureheads of traditional authority , participated in political councils and provided official approval for policies . 
 However , the day - to - day governance , security and diplomatic activities of the kingdom principally originated with and were managed by Rainilaiarivony and his counselors .