### Clue: So-called essayist creating role of princess after 8 (4)
### Answer: ELIA 
 ### Explanation: Definition: So-called essayist

(cord)**ELIA** ("princess") where CORD is the solution to 8dn.
 

 
ELIA was the pen name [hence the "so-called" in the clue] of essayist Charles Lamb