A camarilla is a group of courtiers or favourites which surround a king or ruler. Usually, they do not hold any office or have any official authority but influence their ruler behind the scenes. Consequently, they also escape having to bear responsibility for the effects of their advice. The term derives from the Spanish word, "camarilla" (Diminutive of Cámara), meaning "little chamber" or private cabinet of the king. The term also entered the German language and is used in the sense given above.
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In particular, two groups which are called camarillas are those which surrounded the Emperor Wilhelm II and the President Paul von Hindenburg.
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