The phrase "power behind the throne" refers to a person or group that is understood tode facto wield the power of a high-ranking official (for example, amonarch), or whose support must be maintained to continue in office.[1] In politics, it most commonly refers to a nominal subordinate or advisor to an officeholder (often called a "figurehead") who serves asde facto leader, setting policy through their influence. A similar meaning is conveyed by the terméminence grise.[2]
Some examples of a "power behind the throne" include theCrown Prince andPrime Minister of Saudi Arabia,Mohammed bin Salman, who effectively rules the country for his89-year old fatherKing Salman.[3]Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ofAbu Dhabi, who acted on behalf of Emir and President of the UAEKhalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan after he suffered a stroke in 2014, was often considered the de facto president of the UAE until Khalifa's death in 2022.[4][5] InQatar,Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani was often called the power behind the throne ofHamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.[6]InTonga, Australian missionaryRodger Page emerged as the most influential adviser ofQueen Sālote, serving as royal chaplain to her for over 20 years.[7] In Mexico, Joseph-Marie Córdoba Montoya, a naturalized Mexican of French origin, was chief of staff during the term of PresidentCarlos Salinas de Gortari (1988–1994), and was considered the second-most powerful person in Mexico at the time.[8]Diego Portales ofChile, who had significant influence in the political life of his country in early 1830s, reflected in theConstitution of 1833.[9][10]
A related term iséminence grise (French: "gray eminence"), a powerful advisor or decision-maker who operates secretly or otherwise unofficially.[2] This phrase was popularized byAldous Huxley in referring to Cardinal Richelieu's right-hand man,François Leclerc du Tremblay (also known as thePère Joseph), aCapuchin friar who wore grey robes.[2]Martin Bormann was referred to as the Brown Eminence, brown referring to the brown uniform of theNazi Party.[11]
When the Conservative Party entered office in 1830, he was, as chief minister, the real power in the land. Disdainful of political freedoms, he imprisoned his pipiolo (liberal) opponents, silenced the opposition press, and subdued the army. Portales ruled through the constitution of 1833, a document that created a centralized state dominated by the conservative oligarchy.