Prominent figure to first of royal children put up with Queen (11)

I believe the answer is:

torchbearer

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for torchbearer that I've seen before include "Person who leads or inspires" , "Leader in a cause" , "Inspiring leader" , "One who leads or inspired others" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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