Prince William to Meet Trump at Notre-Dame Reopening
The Prince of Wales is set to meet US President-elect Donald Trump during his visit to Paris for the ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral.
Joining world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Prince William will represent the UK at the landmark event marking the restoration of the historic cathedral, five years after a devastating fire.
Strengthening the US-UK Relationship
Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince William will meet with Trump and US First Lady Jill Biden. These discussions are expected to emphasize the importance of the “special relationship” between the UK and the US.
The prince previously met Trump during the former president’s state visit to the UK in 2019.
Prince William’s Role at the Ceremony
Attending at the request of the UK government, the prince will participate alongside international dignitaries at Notre-Dame’s reopening. This marks his first official visit to Paris since 2017, following his attendance at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy earlier this year.
The Restoration of Notre-Dame
The iconic 850-year-old cathedral, ravaged by a fire in April 2019, has undergone an extensive €700m (£582m) reconstruction. Over 2,000 experts, including masons, carpenters, and art restorers, have worked tirelessly to bring the landmark back to its former glory.
Highlights of the restoration include the preservation of the cathedral’s main structure, bell towers, and intricate stained-glass windows.
Reopening Mass and Global Significance
Saturday’s reopening service, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, will host over 1,500 guests, including global leaders. Tickets for the first public Masses sold out within 25 minutes, showcasing the enduring significance of this architectural and cultural icon.
Prince William’s presence alongside President-elect Trump underscores the international importance of the cathedral’s revival as a symbol of resilience and unity.
