Crossword Genius

In advance of offer, one claims throne (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pretender

'one claims throne' is the definition.
(someone who claims a right to the throne)

'in advance of offer' is the wordplay.
'in advance of' becomes 'pre' ('pre' means before).
'offer' becomes 'tender' (tender can mean to offer something).
'pre'+'tender'='PRETENDER'

(Other definitions for pretender that I've seen before include "Claimant to a throne, usually without just title" , "One acting" , "One claiming a title" , "Claimant, like Bonnie Prince Charlie" , "One who claims a title or position" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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