If it's there I must accept it.. at least on the C-64.
However, if it refers to the Empire of Achenar, how does it mesh with the fact that Arissa LD is the *first* female ruler of the Empire? I mean, she's not hundreds of years old.
So it might refer to something else... like Braben & Bell referring to the Royal Navy. I have no answer to that, and to be fair it'd be digging way to deep for what is at best an academic discussion which will have little relevance moving on.
Saying that, you have more patience than me for finding the reference, so much kudos Commander.
Don't worry about the details. Elite isn't real canon anymore. History sort of starts with the Frontier Gazetteer.
http://www.dream-ware.co.uk/frontier/books/gazetteer/
There has men minor adjustments after this as well, but nothing big.