The one thing this disparate bunch had in common was that most of them had sought the protection of the PCC over the past decade. Their principal tormentors, the editors of the nation's tabloid newspapers, were there in force to greet their victims, so it was not surprising that a certain frisson swirled around the party.
That so many prominent glitterati turned up to devour the PCC's canapé and rub shoulders with the royals is, no doubt, a triumph for its chairman, Lord Wakeham. He can fairly claim to have restored confidence in self-regulation and saved the press from privacy legislation. A skilled political fixer, he has used his chairmanship to pressure the press barons such as Rupert Murdoch into corralling their editors.
The PCC's (?) code of conduct, drawn up by a panel of editors, is generally observed. Press standards have improved and complaints have fallen by nearly a third over the past five years. The industry, which not so long ago was said to be "drinking in the last-chance saloon", with self-regulation in terminal disrepute, is grateful.
The party was meant to celebrate this success. The soap stars and the models, judging by the amount of drink going down their throats, certainly enjoyed themselves, as did the editors. But whether Prince Charles and Prince William were wise to associate themselves with this lot is doubtful. "Never sup with the enemy" is a good motto. At least the royals could tell who to avoid because all the guests had name tabs.
36.The party was so elegant, because
A. Price William was there
B. PCC succeeded in bringing together so many personalities
C. PCC was celebrating
D. It was too close to parody
37. “Drinking in the last-chance salon”(line 4, para 4) denotes