Ordinary Saudis complain of unemployment and economic hardship, which they contrast with princely power and privilege.

BBC: Crown Prince Abdullah has committed himself to reform

Since Indian independence, the grand ceremonials of princely and proconsular power, in which elephants played such a central and starring part, have all but disappeared.

BBC: No white elephants in this herd

These feudal rulers, like the princely states of India, were given identity, power, recognition and land by Britain to run the subcontinent and were bestowed with the same privileges and undemocratic methods that, as you mention, they still retain.

ECONOMIST: Mulling Musharraf

Durham's power and influence then grew as successive English kings gave the Bishop of Durham princely status, so he could raise taxes and armies to fight off periodic Scottish invasions.

ECONOMIST: A northern holy grail