Much like the nobility

[BTGmoderatorDC]

Much like the nobility of old, historians maintain that today's royalty is concerned primarily with the accoutrements of wealth and power.

A. Much like the nobility of old, historians maintain that today's royalty

B. Today's royalty, much like the nobility of old, it is maintained by historians,

C. Much like the nobility of old, historians maintain today's royalty

D.Historians maintain that today's royalty, much like the nobility of old,

E.Historians maintain, today's royalty, much like the nobility of old,

Can some experts explain the best option?

OA D

[GMATGuruNY]

Much like the nobility of old, historians maintain that today's royalty is concerned primarily with the accoutrements of wealth and power.

A. Much like the nobility of old, historians maintain that today's royalty

B. Today's royalty, much like the nobility of old, it is maintained by historians,

C. Much like the nobility of old, historians maintain today's royalty

D.Historians maintain that today's royalty, much like the nobility of old,

E.Historians maintain, today's royalty, much like the nobility of old,

A and C: like the nobility of old, historians
Here, historians are illogically compared to the nobility of old.
The intention is to compare TODAY'S ROYALTY to the nobility of old.
Eliminate A and C.

In B, royalty (subject) lacks a verb.
Eliminate B.

E: Historians maintain, today's royalty...is concerned.
Here, a comma incorrectly serves to connect the two independent clauses in red.
Eliminate E.

The correct answer is D.