This crossword No. 27960 clues and answers were published on Thu 24 Oct 2019 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 27960 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
7-across – Predestined, as curate was : ORDAINED
9-across – Princess in the Emirates briefly inspired sister : URANIA
10-across – Mawkishness from son in returning embrace : GUSH
11-across – Rich patron from Benin found by police in south of France : SUGARDADDY
12-across – Pop group lodged in Cotswold mansion : OLDMAN
14-across – Old grottos bordering lake cut off areas of country : EXCLAVES
15-across – Very large card bringing comfort in hard times : SOLACE
17-across – Unobtrusive moves by Liberal in party succeeded : SLIDES
20-across – Besides catching plenty, Evans ultimately conceded bye : TOODLEOO
22-across – Contrary forces rapidly covering a huge distance : PARSEC
23-across – Good-looking six-footer foolishly married short lady : REDADMIRAL
24-across – Britten primarily a children’s composer? : BACH
25-across – A female halting, deeply aroused : AFLAME
26-across – Prominent Victorian dancing ladies, one entertaining Queen : DISRAELI
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Pesters travellers on vacation touring Russian capital : TROUBLES
2-down – Cruel Romeo’s jilted Mary Jane : HASH
3-down – Blameless conduct arising under universal agreement? : UNISON
4-down – RC burial conducted as per official rites : RUBRICAL
5-down – Monk with smoother cloak, allegedly survivor of fire : SALAMANDER
6-down – Overcharge to spend a penny : DIDDLE
8-down – Level for one river entering north-western estuary : DEGREE
13-down – Plays sensationalised madam’s role perhaps : MELODRAMAS
16-down – Mark boards to form a West Country speciality : CREAMTEA
18-down – Curb coterie from which specialised units develop : STEMCELL
19-down – Passionate little Dickensian changes ends : TORRID
21-down – Special person leaving? : ONEOFF
22-down – European buff : POLISH
24-down – Drop live commercial : BEAD
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.