Cryptic crossword clue
Prince not straightforward about source of rumour that’s widespread 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PERVASIVE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
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V
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "widespread" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case widespread = pervasive.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does PERVASIVE mean?

PERVASIVE adjective
  1. Manifested throughout; pervading, permeating, penetrating or affecting everything.

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