The search is about to begin. Will it be tycoon Tung Chee-wah, lawyer Lo Tak-shing or Chief Secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang? All are possible candidates as Special Administrative Region chief executive.
And with the territory returning to Chinese sovereignty in less than a year, local charities and societies are expected to find a new patron to replace Governor Chris Patten and his wife Lavender soon. But with whom? Most organisations contacted this week said they have yet to discuss the issue.
While some believe this is a relatively trivial matter, others say the question is too 'politically sensitive' to answer.
Traditionally, the Governor, as head of a 150-year-old system of government, is invited to become patron of many high-profile charities in Hong Kong.
Indeed, the Pattens' involvement in charities over the past four years has won the admiration of the community. They are patrons of over 150 non-profit making bodies. Lavender Patten has 67 charities under her wing, and the Governor has 94.
Most are organisations founded and registered in the territory, with a few that are overseas offices of international organisations.