As always, about to protect: think the world of (6)
I believe the answer is:
revere
'think the world of' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'as always about to protect' is the wordplay.
'as always' becomes 'ever' (I've seen this before).
'about' becomes 're' (regarding).
'to protect' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are protected or taken in).
'ever' going inside 're' is 'REVERE'.
(Other definitions for revere that I've seen before include "Feel religious veneration for" , "Hold in great respect" , "Show huge respect for" , "Show great respect for" , "Paul of the famous midnight ride" .)