The case erupted in April with a rare public split within the Hashemite ruling family, sending shockwaves across the kingdom.

According to the state-owned al-Mamlaka TV, only lawyers and witnesses were allowed inside the courtroom where the session began by listing the charges prosecutors levelled against the two men.

The court also listened to two witnesses requested by the prosecutor.

Former finance minister and ex-chief of the royal court Bassem Awadallah and member of the royal family Hassan bin Zaid face charges of incitement against the regime, attempting to cause sedition and endangering the security of the society.

Hassan bin Zaid also faces charges of drug abuse.

The two men pleaded innocent and the session was adjourned until Tuesday.

Local media published a leaked video showing Awadallah entering the courthouse escorted by several security personnel.

Photos later published showed bin Zaid leaving the courthouse.

Both were wearing blue prison uniforms and face masks.

Earlier this month, al-Mamlaka TV reported that investigations showed that two men were working to support Hamzah's personal ambition to take over power by inciting internal sedition and mobilising external support.

On April 3, Hamzah said he was placed under house arrest and 18 people, mostly close aides to the former crown prince, were arrested.

King Abdullah said Hamzah will be dealt with "within the framework of the Hashemite family" so he was not referred to investigation.

Days later, Hamzah pledged loyalty to Abdullah after family mediation and Abdullah declared that the sedition attempt was foiled.

Authorities released 16 people a few weeks later.

Hamzah, 41, was Jordan's crown prince between 1999 and 2004, when Abdullah removed him and years later appointed his own son.

Australian Associated Press