Prince William to Join Donald Trump for Notre Dame Reopening Ceremony
The Prince of Wales is set to meet with Donald Trump in Paris as part of a ceremonial event marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. This significant occasion, taking place this Saturday, has been organized at the request of the French government to celebrate the restoration of this iconic structure, often referred to as the soul of France, which endured a devastating fire in 2019.
During his visit, Prince William will also engage in discussions with President-elect Trump and First Lady Jill Biden, as confirmed by Kensington Palace. Trump, alongside numerous other world leaders, has accepted invitations from French President Emmanuel Macron to partake in this high-profile event.
William's last official trip to Paris occurred in 2017, following the Brexit referendum, where he and the Princess of Wales spent two days in the French capital. Earlier this year, he also took part in commemorations in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The reopening ceremony of Notre Dame is set to include a series of traditional events, including the ceremonial opening of the cathedral's monumental doors and the reawakening of its renowned organ. A special mass will be celebrated, offering the Catholic Church and France a platform to showcase their resilience and global presence. Tickets for the initial week of masses were claimed in just 25 minutes, according to the rector of the cathedral.
On Saturday evening, the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, will lead more than 1,500 guests through a reopening service, culminating in an inaugural mass on Sunday that features unique rites to consecrate the main altar. This marks a pivotal moment not only for the cathedral itself but also for the larger community that sees Notre Dame as a symbol of faith and perseverance.
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