William to meet Donald Trump in Paris as both attend Notre Dame reopening
While in Paris, the prince will hold meetings with both Mr Trump and America’s first lady Jill Biden.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Prince of Wales will meet US president-elect Donald Trump in Paris on Saturday as he joins world leaders for the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame cathedral.
William will travel to France at the request of the Government for the high-profile event celebrating the restoration of the world-famous landmark following a devastating fire in 2019.
While in Paris, he will hold meetings with both Mr Trump and America’s outgoing first lady Jill Biden ahead of the ceremony, Kensington Palace said.
Mr Trump and dozens of heads of state and government accepted invitations from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the ceremony.
William last met Mr Trump in 2019 when the then-president made a state visit to the UK.
The prince is expected to discuss the importance of the US-UK relationship with Mr Trump and Mrs Biden.
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.