Crossword Genius

Prince and friend getting close (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pally

'close' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'prince and friend' is the wordplay.
'prince' becomes 'p' (abbreviation).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'friend' becomes 'ally' (an ally is a friend or supporter).
'p'+'ally'='PALLY'

'getting' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for pally that I've seen before include "Close, friendly" , "Intimate" , "China may be so" , "On friendly terms" , "Thick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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