Donald Trump arrives in Paris ahead of meeting with Prince William
Heads of state are gathering in the French capital for the re-opening of Notre Dame
Donald Trump has arrived in Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral.
President-elect Trump joined other world leaders in the French capital following the completion of the restoration work on the famous landmark after a devastating fire in 2019.
It is expected that Prince William will also meet with President-elect on Saturday to discuss the importance of the US-UK “special relationship”.
William is travelling to France at the request of the Government for the high-profile event celebrating the restoration of the medieval cathedral.
Kensington Palace said William will also meet with First Lady Jill Biden at the event.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy, meanwhile, will also meet Macron at the Elysee Palace on Saturday.
William last met Trump in 2019 when the then-president made a state visit to the UK.
William’s last official visit to Paris was in 2017 when he travelled with wife Kate for a two-day trip in the aftermath of the Brexit result.
Earlier this year, he joined other world leaders in Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Second World War D-Day landings.
Notre Dame’s reopening will include the ritualised opening of the cathedral’s massive doors, the reawakening of its thunderous organ and the celebration of the first Mass.
For both France and the Catholic Church, the televised and tightly scripted ceremonies will be an opportunity to display resilience and global influence.
Tickets for the first week of Masses were snapped up in 25 minutes, the cathedral’s rector said.
In the first part of Notre Dame’s rebirth on Saturday evening, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead more than 1,500 guests through a reopening service.
On Sunday, an inaugural Mass will be held featuring special rites to consecrate the main altar.
It comes after Macron set a tight five-year goal to reconstruct the catholic church following the 2019 fire, which saw 600 firefighters battle the blaze for some 15 hours.
The reconstruction has reportedly cost £700m (£582m) and has required 2,000 masons, carpenters, engineers, roofers and restoration workers.
This story is being updated.
