Prince William and Trump meet for Notre-Dame reopening

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Prince William and US president-elect Donald Trump met for 40 minutes of “warm” and “friendly” discussions. This was at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris on Saturday.

This marked their second meeting, with their first encounter taking place earlier that day during the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

PRINCE WILLIAM AND DONALD TRUMP

The cathedral has been under restoration since the devastating 2019 fire.

During their private talks, Prince William and Mr Trump focused on strengthening the UK-US special relationship.

They also shared lighter moments, with Mr Trump recalling “warm and fond memories” of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Kensington Palace stated that the prince was “extremely grateful” for these reflections. When Mr Trump arrived at the ambassador’s residence, he praised William. “Good man, this one,” according to the BBC

DONALD TRUMP PRAISES PRINCE WILLIAM

The pair joked about warming up their feet after the chilly cathedral ceremony. Trump agreed, “Right, you’re right.”

Trump later stated that Prince William was “doing a fantastic job,” a sentiment that drew attention from international media.

Their meeting followed an earlier gathering at Notre-Dame Cathedral. They shook hands as part of the high-profile reopening event.

THE RESTORATION

The restoration of the 12th-century Gothic landmark was a monumental effort, with nearly ZAR 18.6 billion raised. This was from global donations to fund the project.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to all who helped rebuild the structure. He stated, “Tonight, the bells of Notre-Dame are ringing again.”

The ceremony featured symbolic moments, including Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich striking the cathedral doors three times with his bishop’s cross.

He did this before the building was formally reopened.

NOTRE-DAME

The sound of the cathedral’s great organ, with its 7,952 pipes, echoed through the space for the first time since the fire, according to Sky News.

Inside, more than 42,000 square metres of stonework had been meticulously cleaned. This revealed the intricate carvings and luminous limestone.

Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to restore the roof and iconic spire.

GUESTLIST

Among the 1,500 dignitaries at the event were US First Lady Jill Biden, South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prince Albert of Monaco, and former French presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy also attended.

Trump was seated next to Macron for the ceremony, where they were seen engaged in conversation.

Earlier in the day, Macron pulled off a diplomatic coup by hosting a meeting at the Élysée Palace with Trump and Zelenskyy.

The gathering, seen as a strategic win for Macron, came just days after his prime minister, Michel Barnier, was ousted by the French parliament.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

For South African observers, the event underscored the enduring cultural significance of Notre-Dame.

It also signified the power of global unity in restoring historical landmarks.

It also highlighted Trump’s continued role as a central figure on the world stage as he prepares to re-enter the White House on 20 January.

UK-US COOPERTAION

The meeting between Prince William and Donald Trump offered a glimpse into future UK-US cooperation.

Commentators have noted the prince’s growing diplomatic role, especially after his work on environmental issues.

Trump’s comment that William is “doing a fantastic job” suggests that many view the Prince of Wales as an emerging force in global diplomacy.

HOPE AND RENEWAL

The reopening of Notre-Dame stands as a testament to human perseverance, according to the Independent.

As President Macron noted, “I stand before you… to express the gratitude of the French nation.” For many, the sight of the cathedral’s restored silhouette against the Parisian skyline symbolised hope and renewal.