The new Belgian monarch is a former fighter pilot – and he will have a scrap on his hands trying to maintain the unity of this hybrid country

For nearly 20 years they have been colleagues and rivals – rising up the ranks of the Labour party from humble advisers to become two of the biggest beasts in the political jungle.

Delphine Boël, 45, wants a Brussels court to order Albert II and two of his three children to undergo blood tests to prove they are related

Delphine Boël in court bid to prove that the Belgian monarch Albert II is her father

Belgians living in areas completely isolated due to the bubonic plague can finally breathe a sigh of relief: soon they will be able to get online and petition to have a law banning them from writing a will struck down.

Cyclist was widely criticised for his actions at the Ronde of Flanders classic

He is an athlete more normally known for his dedication to his sport – and his talent on a bike. In fact, before today, perhaps the most notable thing about Slovakian cyclist Peter Sagan was his reputation for wacky victory celebrations: doing the running man or impersonating the Incredible Hulk to mark a win.

When a cashier offered me a free macaroon to mark International Women’s Day in the canteen of the European Parliament on Friday, I didn’t think much of it. I didn’t eat it – it looked like it had been sitting out all day – but I certainly wasn’t offended.

A student refused to lay a poppy wreath last Sunday

This time, Belgium's royal family came out swinging. Crown Prince Philippe, 52, had been depicted in a book as less of a man than is needed to become the next king of Belgium. Again.

Brian Holm, Cav's former HTC team director, explains how he lured Manxman to Omega outfit and claims he'll be inspired by being team-mates with old pal Tom Boonen. Alasdair Fotheringham asks the questions

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith's department has made a formal complaint to the BBC claiming its coverage of the Government is biased, it has emerged.