The words are synonymous.
The idea of "The Elite" in the US is rejected as much as royalty.
not true...
Dictionary.com
e⋅lite /ɪˈlit, eɪˈlit/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [i-leet, ey-leet] Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. (often used with a plural verb) the choice or best of anything considered collectively, as of a group or class of persons.
2. (used with a plural verb) persons of the highest class: Only the elite were there.
3. a group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group: the power elite of a major political party.
4. a type, approximately 10-point in printing-type size, widely used in typewriters and having 12 characters to the inch. Compare pica 1 . –adjective
5. representing the most choice or select; best: an elite group of authors.