The unclued lights (two of two words), individually or as pairs, are of a kind. Elsewhere, ignore one accent.
 

Across

 
9    Aromatic fragrance from front half of royal residence (4)
11    How embroiderers’ work fell apart — without any trouble (10)
12    The best spinners? (4)
16    Loved one short moment in the air, almost (5)
20    The first way to acknowledge on paper? (7)
21    Talk of a bit of pork crackling (7)
24    Small pastures revealing weaver’s reeds (5)
25    From where to watch the partnership (5)
27    Artlessly return spring water with alkaline solution, mostly (7)
30    Secretary having to fight against endless loss of power (7)
32    Kitchen utensil near bloomer (7)
36    Boy’s partly pale complexion (4)
37    Dorset resort with river round borders of lake (5)
39    Damn! It’s happening outside! (4)
40    Unemotional state of pop-group sporting hat that’s square (10)
41    Nurse with under a shilling, apparently (4)
42    Notary with shelter out of the wind (13, hyphened)
 

Down

 
1    Cursor making me smile broadly, it would seem (5, hyphened)
3    Wit and intuition artist regularly shows (6)
4    Clothing regularly worn, it would seem (5)
5    Pierre’s kind regards to his girl-friends having sex appeal (7)
6    Bowlers in local matches (7)
7    Dirty old discharge (6)
8    Decomposition by heat spoils railway yard, sadly (9)
10    Hero-worship of naval officer left out having turned it on (10)
13    Nothing turned up in isle on the horizon (7)
15    Caribbean island group opposed to deception upset (8)
19    Constriction of a passage, it’s awful with noses (8)
21    Verb form indicating historical contract (9, two words)
26    Dettori drunk in city (7)
28    Possibly, easyJet’s diving aid (7)
29    Urge on the hounds from manor house with two rounds (6)
31    Pater’s cooked meal (6)
33    Sea Channel — Euripedes’ drama (5)
35    Worn-out, like tennis favourites? (5)
 
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 31 August. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. (UK solvers can choose to receive the latest edition of the Chambers Dictionary instead of cash— ring the word ‘Dictionary’.) Entries to: Crossword 2224, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.