London, Dec 7: Prince William is in Paris this Saturday to represent Britain at the reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral, an iconic 12th-century structure that suffered extensive damage in a significant fire in 2019.
During his visit to France, the Prince of Wales also engaged with various world leaders, including US First Lady Jill Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. In light of his increasing responsibilities as a statesman, he is set to discuss the unique UK-US relationship during these discussions.
His office at Kensington Palace announced that the senior royal would attend the special ceremony hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and the Archbishop of Paris on behalf of the United Kingdom.
“The Prince of Wales will travel to Paris today to participate in the ceremony commemorating the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral,” stated Kensington Palace.
“In April 2019, a devastating fire resulted in the cathedral’s closure, and since then, an extensive restoration effort has been underway,” the announcement highlighted.
“This weekend marks the reopening of Notre Dame to the public. To celebrate this occasion, President Macron and the Archbishop of Paris are organizing a special event, which will be attended by Heads of State from around the globe,” it continued. “The Prince of Wales will represent the UK at the event. Additionally, during his time in Paris, His Royal Highness will hold meetings with US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and President-Elect Donald Trump,” it added.
The reopening ceremony for ‘Notre Dame De Paris’ this weekend is the first of several events planned to celebrate the cathedral’s five-year restoration, including a televised and orchestrated service.
On Sunday, the majestic organ of Notre Dame will resonate in public for the first time since the fire during an inaugural mass featuring special rites to consecrate the main altar. According to the public body overseeing its restoration, more than 150 countries contributed a total of 846 million euros to finance the restoration work.
William’s visit to Paris comes after he attended a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London on Friday evening, an event hosted annually by his wife, Kate Middleton.
This marked a significant occasion as part of her return to royal duties following chemotherapy for a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The Prince and Princess of Wales were accompanied by their three children at the carol service – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Among the 1,600 attendees were families impacted by the Southport knife attack in July, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three schoolgirls attending a Taylor Swift dance class. The ‘Together at Christmas’ service included a mix of traditional carols, music, and readings, with Catherine, Princess of Wales, greeting the performers upon her arrival at the Abbey. Prince William read a lesson from the ‘Bible’ during the festive gathering, which featured many invited for their charitable contributions to their communities. (PTI)
