Richard Kay

Almost a quarter of a century had elapsed since Chief Superintendent Taylor last made an arrest, but such was his reputation for solving crimes he is celebrated as Britain's top cop.

As ever with former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, the announcement was plumped up with self-righteousness and just a hint of mystery.

Once upon a time identifying someone as a leading member of the IRA might cost you your kneecaps. Today singling out such a figure on the screen may bring you an Oscar.

In the end, there was no divine intervention as the first Archbishop of Canterbury in living memory was forced to resign.

Just over 25 years ago, a Buckingham Palace report recommended steps the monarchy should adopt to rebuild trust after the collapse in support for the Royal Family following the death of Princess Diana.

There must always be a place for sympathy when it comes to the unfortunate manner of his passing - trapped between his bed and the wall, upside down, with legs akimbo.

There must always be a place for sympathy when it comes to the unfortunate manner of his passing - trapped between his bed and the wall, upside down, with legs akimbo.

One warm evening in early summer last year the thrum of conversation and ­laughter rang out from a penthouse apartment in the heart of fashionable Covent Garden.

From his lofty perch in the social tree, the 5th Baron Delamere would sometimes ruminate on his memories of the wife-swapping and ultimately tragic 'Happy ­Valley' set of colonial expats.

Diana was as much a victim of Mohamed Al-Fayed's depravity as the girls he assaulted, raped and trafficked. The difference was that she was one of the few whom he treated with respect.