Weymouth's Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton is appointed an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

The BBC's Genevieve Hassan reports from the Nelson Mandela 90th birthday concert in Hyde Park in London.

The French breathe a collective sigh of relief after the Sarkozys perform well during their UK state visit, writes Hugh Schofield.

A look at how the French and British newspapers are covering French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Britain.

Growing concern about the situation in Gaza is reflected in the UK newspapers

TV presenter June Sarpong collects her MBE for services to broadcasting and charity work.

The abdication of King Edward VIII 70 years ago brought shame on the Royal Family and sent violent shockwaves through the British establishment. But look again, and this is not a shameful episode - rather a touching one.

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell finds Turks wary of the Pope's historic visit and grapples with the religious row sparked by the pontiff's speech in Bavaria.

Martina Navratilova's glorious Wimbledon career in pictures

BBC News website readers share their memories of meeting the Queen.

As the second series of The Apprentice hits the small screen, Sir Alan Sugar once more demonstrates the unique style that has taken him from market-stall trader to electronics mogul.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie gets its world premiere in London's Royal Albert Hall.

The Monitor is the home for some of our most popular features, including your letters, Punorama, the caption competition, and 10 Things.

The British have long regarded Wimbledon as tennis' biggest tournament, but some of the top players tend to disagree.

Former US Open winner Tracy Austin runs the rule over women's tennis as Wimbledon gets under way.

Two-time champion Venus Williams criticises organisers for the decision to scrap bowing and curtseying at Wimbledon.

Players will no longer bow or curtsey to the royal box - is this the beginning of the end?

The All England Club decides that players will no longer need to bow or curtsey in front of the royal box at Wimbledon.

Bond's leading stars sparkled at a chilly Royal Albert Hall as the Queen attends the première of the spy's latest thriller, Die Another Day.

Actress Miriam Margolyes and singer Sade are made OBEs, with Sade dedicating her honour to "all black women in England".