Nepal's King Gyanendra greets his well-wishers during a public appearance at Dachinkali temple in the outskirt of Katmandu, 12 May 2008

Nepal's government has formally ordered King Gyanendra to leave the royal palace within the next two weeks.

Officials say the order was delivered to the palace Friday, just two days after Nepal's Constituent Assembly voted overwhelmingly (560-4) to abolish the 239-year-old monarchy.

Security around the palace has been increased after at least five people were injured when they clashed with police Thursday. Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd demanding that the former king leave immediately.

Government officials had gone to the palace earlier to take down the flag of the royal family and replace it with a national flag.

Lawmakers say the palace will be turned into a museum.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and.