Ruler is somewhat sombre gentleman (6)

I believe the answer is:

regent

'ruler' is the definition.
(a regent rules on behalf of a monarch)

'somewhat sombre gentleman' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'REGENT' is hidden within 'sombre gentleman'.

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for regent that I've seen before include "Acting ruler" , "Person appointed as acting monarch" , "Ruler standing in for monarch" , "One who acts for a monarch" , "Interim monarch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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