Exist as a royal beverage (4)

I believe the answer is:

beer

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'beverage' is the definition.
(beer is a kind of beverage)

'exist as a royal' is the wordplay.
'exist as' becomes 'be' ('be' can be a synonym of 'exist'. I am not sure about the 'as' bit.**).
'a royal' becomes 'er' (I've seen this in other clues).
'be'+'er'='BEER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beer that I've seen before include "The standard English drink" , "Drink flavoured with hops" , "Malt liquor" , "Fermented alcoholic beverage" , "Ale, lager etc" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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