Crossword Genius

Nobel Peace Prize winner showing affection to head of state once (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kissinger

'nobel peace prize winner' is the definition.
(Henry Kissinger)

'showing affection to head of state once' is the wordplay.
'showing affection to' becomes 'kissing' (kissing is a way of showing someone affection).
'head of state once' becomes 'ER' (Elizabeth Regina, ie Queen Elizabeth).
'kissing'+'er'='KISSINGER'

(Other definitions for kissinger that I've seen before include "Henry __, US Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford" , "Old statesman" , "Henry --, US diplomat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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