Of course he had to demonstrate his allegiance. Nothing is normal in that kleptocratic system of Abdullah where nepotism rules. And when then there is opposition it is "a coup". Let me laugh. Pffff. Abdullah better changes so that Jordan indeed works for all Jordanians otherwise there will be a second "Arab Spring" his inert regime will not survive.
And I don't think the odds of anything good replacing the current regime are large. Or anything more than miniscule.
If Abdullah were smarter/less afraid, I think he'd make Hamza a minister and at least try for some changes (bonus, if Hamza fails, it's solely on him). Stifling everyone and everything is not the best plan, for him or the Jordanians.
Aides to the former Jordanian heir Prince Hamzah sought pledges of allegiance on his behalf from tribal leaders and former military officers in the weeks before he was detained, conversations caught on phone intercepts and listening devices suggest.
Interesting to read a bit more background; it sounds rather serious. Also interesting: it was the USA that found out about it and warned the Jordanians. And it is somehow tight to USA politics regarding the Kushner plan that king Abdullah opposed as he would loose control.
The trial in the so-called "sedition case" related to Prince Hamzah bin Al Hussein is progressing at the State Security Court in Amman.
Today, following the court session, Sharif Hassan's lawyer stated that the defense will request the testimony of four royal family members. He confirmed in a statement to Al-Arabiya TV that Princess Basma Hamza is not on the list.
"Heartfelt thanks to so many of you for the very kind birthday wishes and also to those who continue to call for truth and justice for Prince Hamzah,who is still imprisoned at home,and for any other innocent citizens"
I am sure this letter was a requirement from Abdullah for he would take any further steps of integrating Hamzah in the family (probably even allowing him more freedom - is he still under house arrest?). She will certainly know that this is how these things work.
I also noticed that the meeting that apparently happened the same evening this letter was written (Sunday March 6) was attended by all (half)brothers except Hamzah's only full brother Hashim.