The grey eminence behind the Restoration was nevertheless a civilian politician, Antonio Cánovas del Castillo.
It was a clear sign that even though he himself will not serve in this government, he remains the grey eminence behind it - perhaps even the puppet-master.
So it's entirely plausible that Martin was isolated out of the real, real loop by the grey eminences close to the prime minister.
Men like Rove are the gurus, gray eminences, cardinals and kingmakers to the modern-day queens, and wield tremendous power and influence behind the scenes.
Over the past few days, I have conducted several interviews with some of the nation's grey eminences in politics, law and history.