Crossword Genius

People's Princess finally discharged so in the pink? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dianthus

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

'the pink?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'people's princess finally discharged so' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'princess' could be 'di' (Princess Diana) and 'di' is present in the answer.
'so' could be 'thus' (synonyms) and 'thus' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'an' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dianthus that I've seen before include "pink?" , "Flowering plant" , "Genus including pinks and carnations" , "Flower" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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