What does the cryptic crossword clue "First of rebels replaced by second royal supporters (11)" mean?

The wordplay uses a deletion. MO (synonym="moment=short amount of time=a “second”") + NARCHISTS (synonym="”rebels” with the “First” letter replaced with MO=moment=short amount of time=a “second”") = MONARCHISTS The answer is MONARCHISTS.

First of rebels replaced by second royal supporters (11)

Guardian Cryptic #29427 | 18 Across | 2024-07-05 flower

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