The Big Picture
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Paris during the ceremonial reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of the historic landmark that was ravaged by fire in 2019.
The prince’s visit was part of his ongoing diplomatic engagements, emphasizing the strength of the UK-US special relationship. The meeting took place at the British ambassador's residence in Paris following the ceremony.
Notre-Dame’s Remarkable Restoration
The reopening marked the end of a five-year restoration effort, initiated after a devastating fire destroyed large portions of the 850-year-old cathedral. Over 2,000 experts, including masons, carpenters, and engineers, worked to rebuild the landmark, preserving its iconic features such as the two bell towers.
French President Emmanuel Macron set a five-year goal for the reconstruction, which cost approximately €700 million (£582 million). Speaking at the event, Macron highlighted the lessons of “fragility, humility, and will” drawn from the project.
William and Trump’s Diplomatic Exchange
During their 40-minute meeting, Prince William and President-elect Trump discussed global issues and shared thoughts on the importance of the UK-US relationship. Trump, reflecting on his past visits and memories of the late Queen, expressed admiration for William, calling him a “good man” doing a “fantastic job.”
Kensington Palace described their interaction as “warm and friendly.” Trump last met Prince William during his state visit to the UK in 2019.
Key Figures in Attendance
The event saw a gathering of international dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and outgoing U.S. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who represented President Joe Biden. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, led the reopening service attended by over 1,500 guests.
Highlights included a performance by a choir and a message from the Pope, read during the service. Adjustments to the event were made due to stormy weather, with an earlier concert staged a day before.
Notre-Dame’s Historical Significance
The medieval cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a cornerstone of French culture and Catholic heritage for centuries. The 2019 fire, which took 600 firefighters 15 hours to contain, destroyed its iconic wooden interiors and toppled its spire. Despite the damage, its main structure and bell towers were saved.
With the reopening, public interest remains high. Tickets for the first week of Masses were sold out within 25 minutes, demonstrating the global admiration for this architectural marvel.
Looking Ahead
Prince William’s presence at the reopening symbolizes the continued UK-France cooperation on cultural and diplomatic fronts. His meeting with President-elect Trump also underscores the enduring significance of the “special relationship” between the UK and the U.S., even as new leadership transitions take place.
As Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens its doors, it stands as a testament to global collaboration and resilience, a symbol of hope and renewal for France and the world.
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