My e-mail pen pal Paul in Gloucestershire, in discussing British politics, referred to a "Humphrey" or several "Humphries," as being the real power brokers of British politics. Not wanting to appear as ignorant as I am, I didn't query him, choosing to ask you British here, who already know the depth of my ignorance! Who are these people?

A high-up civil servant.

In the excellent '80s BBC TV sitcom Yes Minister and its sequel Yes Prime Minister the Permanent Secretary (head of the department) is Sir Humphrey Appleby.

The minister (later prime minister), Jim Hacker, is a politician who starts out with reforming ideas but ends up disillusioned. Pretty well everything he does is politely, almost invisibly, frustrated by Sir Humphrey, who is anxious to maintain the status quo.

To what Arnie has written I would add that the main point of the series is (and there are many who claim that it is an accurate reflection of British politics) that MPs, ministers and even the Prime Minister have little power, and that the country is really run by the permanent civil servants.

Whicu I suspect would be true of most democracies.

The only British Humphrey, or in this case Humphry I was aware of was the chemist surnamed Davy. Thanks for the enlightenment.

What about Humphrey Dumphrey?

Ah, yes, the eggsistentialist philosopher.

Watch out! Watch out! There's a Humphrey about!

(Old UK commmercial for milk.)

As shown here.