Considering that since then some three or four kings/dynasties have been rather unceremoniously disposed of ... looks like a bit of a formality, to rub it in.

Considering that since then some three or four kings/dynasties have been rather unceremoniously disposed of ... looks like a bit of a formality, to rub it in. I mean, you execute/exile/etc the person you owe the debt to, and keep paying it to the one you pick to replace him in the job of president - er, I mean, king?