Crossword Genius

Privy Seals: a function of Charles (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

carolean

'of charles' is the definition.
(I know this)

'privy seals a function' is the wordplay.
'privy' becomes 'can' (synonyms).
'seals' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are sealed inside).
'function' becomes 'role' (synonyms).
'a'+'role'='arole'
'can' going around 'arole' is 'CAROLEAN'.

(Another definition for carolean that I've seen is " reign before or after Civil War".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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