Prince William, Donald Trump rub elbows at Notre Dame reopening in Paris

Jami Ganz, New York Daily News on Dec 7, 2024

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Prince William rubbed elbows with Donald Trump on Saturday at the long-awaited reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, more than five years after a massive fire left the 12th-century landmark closed to the public.

The 42-year-old royal chatted with Trump at the Paris ceremony, attended by world leaders, dignitaries and donors who contributed to the restoration.

The Prince of Wales and the president-elect appeared to be on good terms when they shook hands and exchanged a few words, with Trump giving William a pat on the shoulder.

According to Kensington Palace, the leaders were scheduled to follow the ceremony with another meeting at the U.K. Ambassador’s Residence in Paris, where they intended to discuss the relationship between the U.S. and Britain.

William attended the ceremony on behalf of his father, King Charles, who’s been undergoing cancer treatment since earlier this year. Saturday’s visit came the day after William and Kate Middleton, who recently completed chemotherapy for her own cancer, attended a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.

Trump announced earlier this week that he would attend the Notre Dame celebration, marking his first international trip since winning his bid for reelection last month.

Other world leaders attending the event included French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Dr. Jill Biden, who attended on behalf of President Joe Biden.

Elon Musk — who Trump has tapped to head the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency — also made an appearance, as did actress Salma Hayek, whose billionaire French husband donated 200 million euros to the restoration, according to the BBC.

The ceremony marked the first time that anyone not involved in the reconstruction had been permitted to enter the cathedral in the years since the blaze destroyed its spire and roof, and left the monument covered in toxic dust and charred debris.

Notre Dame has now been rebuilt to its former Gothic glory, with soaring ceilings, shiny stonework and murals restored to their original colors.