Crossword Genius

Minister’s early life round queen (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pastor

'minister's' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'early life round queen' is the wordplay.
'early life' becomes 'past' (someone's past).
'round' becomes 'o' (round can mean a round object).
'queen' becomes 'r' (abbreviation for regina, e.g. in ER ).
'past'+'o'+'r'='PASTOR'

(Other definitions for pastor that I've seen before include "Member of the clergy" , "One with a flock (of people)" , "Church minister" , "A sport (anag)" , "To spar with clergyman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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