Magic was out, but so too were political parties, banned by royal decree three decades ago.

ECONOMIST: The king is still in charge

Meanwhile, Ethiad is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates and was established by Royal Decree in 2003.

FORBES: Connect

The previous royal decree by George V stipulated that a son would become a prince, but a daughter would not become a princess.

BBC: Royal baby girl 'would be princess'

The oldest university in South Korea, Yonsei can trace its origins to 1885 when a teaching hospital was set up by royal decree.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

The royal decree gave no date for the elections, but King Abdullah had previously said he wanted fresh elections by the end of 2012.

BBC: Jordan's King Abdullah calls early elections

Hun Sen could also extend his government's term and rule by royal decree - but again the king would likely refuse to be involved in such a ploy.

CNN: THE PRINCE BLINKS FIRST

In 1870, Rome was incorporated into Italy by royal decree.

CNN: Thursday,

For example, skinners, or traders in pelts, were by a 14th Century royal decree unable to market their goods "unless on the security of six reputable men of that mistery".

BBC: Lessons from history: Can royalty guarantee a free press?

Beer was so important to the Czech political economy at that time that knights and nobles fought for and won the right to brew beer under a landmark royal decree in 1517.

WSJ: Brewing Controversy Over Proposal to Make Water Cheaper Than Beer