Please Take a Number and Be Enthroned

In his latest undercover expedition, Jordan’s king disguised himself in old clothes and slipped out of his hilltop palace in Amman, the capital, to find out how his subjects are treated at the tax department, officials and a newspaper reported.

King Abdullah II, 39, has become known for such exploits since ascending to the throne after the death of his father, King Hussein, in February 1999.

Abdullah--sporting a white beard--wore shabby white Arab clothing and a traditional headdress. He was accompanied by his half brother, Prince Ali, 25.

Al Arab al Yawm, a liberal Jordanian daily, said the king asked department employees to review Ali’s application, which was done, and that he mingled with people in line.