Power behind the throne
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The phrase "power behind the throne" refers to a person or group that is understood to de facto wield the power of a high-ranking official (for example, a monarch), 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 as de facto leader, setting policy through their influence. A similar meaning is conveyed by the term éminence grise.[2]
Some examples of a "power behind the throne" include the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, who effectively rules the country for his 90-year old father King Salman.[3] Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, who acted on behalf of Emir and President of the UAE Khalifa 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] In Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani was often called the power behind the throne of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.[6] In Tonga, Australian missionary Rodger Page emerged as the most influential adviser of Queen 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 President Carlos Salinas de Gortari (1988–1994), and was considered the second-most powerful person in Mexico at the time.[8] Diego Portales of Chile, who had significant influence in the political life of his country in early 1830s, reflected in the Constitution of 1833.[9][10]