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.
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.
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.
Andrew is being prised out his Windsor home. The revelation that the King is no longer prepared to pay for its security is a sign that his brother's grip on the estate is loosening.