Prince has Arms Amputated Before Coronation
Sorry, not 100% sure of the rules for this. I'm all out of ideas for searching. AI thinks I'm remembering an adapted or retold version of 'The King of the Golden Mountain' or a political pamphlet from Germany or France with this political allegory.
This would be from the early 90's (when I read it, likely not when it was written) but I believe a prince, perhaps someone else, is going to become the new king. The existing king has no arms; when people ascend to the throne in this book, they agree to have their arms amputated. It's a relationship between the crown and the people: I'll try to be a good king for you all and won't let the power of the crown corrupt me because I rely on you all, very literally. I remember the prince is nervous to have his arms cut off but the king explains it must be done and it's how they show the villagers/commoners/other people in the kingdom that they're taking on great power but limiting how powerful they are/should be.