Crossword Genius

Queen's person in general with energy prominently visible for long periods (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eons

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'long periods' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'queen's person in general with energy prominently visible' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'energy' could be 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mc2) and 'e' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ons' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eons that I've seen before include "Divisions of archaeological time" , "Years and years" , "Nose (anag)" , "Times" , "Endless periods" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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