CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 8 Argument about monarch

fulfilling duties? (7) 10 In athletics competition, beat Open University by small amount (7) 11 Domineering and wicked English queen being imprisoned (9) 12 Such a vocation limits

this chaos (5) 13 Cut organ after demand

for silence (5) 14 Excellent drink knocked back

— splendid stuff! (7) 17 Resorting to priest, shy chap gets someone who can deal with emotional problems? (15) 19 Host with sailor going around in

single small vehicle (7) 21 Saw doctor with ill tot (5) 24 Equipment needed by the

Spanish star (5) 26 Record company no longer gets permits for people leaving the country (9) 27 Viceroy and ambassador go

down following king (7) 28 Bird, a female, full of energy — magpie in London’s East End? (3,4)

DOWN 1 Sin was terrible for poetic lovers (6) 2 Support the fellow’s yen

to be a sort of preacher? (8) 3 Greeting, with hesitation, chief in charge of tiered organisation (10) 4 Spent time getting prisoner

settled (9) 5 The thing about husband,

a source of irritation (4) 6 Mum joins little relative around

five — it’s a wonder (6) 7 Trader in the French

sea getting to sing (8) 9 Stupid person? I don’t

believe you! (4) 15 Language specialist puts together Mass, one devoted to Our Lady (10) 16 Country workers in firm

facing threat, not half (9) 17 Welsh town gym? Gym’s ending with absolutely no cash (8) 18 One new nurse accompanying journalist, one looking forward to match (8) 20 Food — food churning over

inside — something lumpy (6) 22 Old saints, if meeting heresy,

ultimately become rigid (6) 23 Colour of container on top of

table (4) 25 Woman shifting soil (4)