First of rebels replaced by second royal supporters (11)
I believe the answer is:
monarchists
'royal supporters' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'first of rebels replaced by second' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'first' could be 'arch' and 'arch' is located in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'second' could be 's' (common abbreviation) and 's' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for monarchists that I've seen before include "those likely to enjoy the Queen's Speech?" , "These would be for Queen Mary, say" .)