Prince William rubbed elbows with Donald Trump on Saturday on the long-awaited reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, greater than 5 years after an enormous hearth left the Twelfth-century landmark closed to the general public.
The 42-year-old royal chatted with Trump on the Paris ceremony, attended by world leaders, dignitaries and donors who contributed to the restoration.
The Prince of Wales and the president-elect gave the impression to be on good phrases after they shook palms and exchanged just a few phrases, with Trump giving William a pat on the shoulder.
In response to Kensington Palace, the leaders have been scheduled to observe the ceremony with one other assembly on the U.Okay. Ambassador’s Residence in Paris, the place they supposed to debate the connection between the U.S. and Britain.
William attended the ceremony on behalf of his father, King Charles, who’s been present process most cancers remedy since earlier this 12 months. Saturday’s go to got here the day after William and Kate Middleton, who just lately accomplished chemotherapy for her personal most cancers, attended a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Trump introduced earlier this week that he would attend the Notre Dame celebration, marking his first worldwide journey since successful his bid for reelection final month.
Different world leaders attending the occasion included French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Girl Dr. Jill Biden, who attended on behalf of President Joe Biden.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron (C) thumbs up flanked by US president-elect Donald Trump (R) and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) after a gathering at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on December 7, 2024. (Picture by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP through Getty Pictures)
Elon Musk — who Trump has tapped to go the newly proposed Division of Authorities Effectivity — additionally made an look, as did actress Salma Hayek, whose billionaire French husband donated 200 million euros to the restoration, in line with the BBC.
The ceremony marked the primary time that anybody not concerned within the reconstruction had been permitted to enter the cathedral within the years for the reason that blaze destroyed its spire and roof, and left the monument lined in poisonous mud and charred particles.
Notre Dame has now been rebuilt to its former Gothic glory, with hovering ceilings, shiny stonework and murals restored to their authentic colours.
