royal summons
Monarch's official call
A royal summons is an official command from a monarch requiring someone's presence or attendance.
Historically, refusing such a summons meant serious consequences—imprisonment or charges of treason.
The phrase now appears mostly in historical contexts or fantasy settings: She received a royal summons to appear before the king.
Figuratively, any imperious demand for one's presence: My mother-in-law issued what amounted to a royal summons for Sunday dinner.
- decreeAuthoritative legal command
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- audience chamberHall for receiving petitioners
by decree · herald · proclamation · sovereign · king · queen · crown · edict · command · nobility · sworn oath · audience · palace · scroll · wax seal · seal · messenger · duty