Following a brief delay due to Storm Darragh, Prince William arrived at the Notre Dame cathedral opening on December 7, 2024, where he was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron. He then had productive meetings with President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

Trump recalled “warm and fond memories” of the late Queen with Prince William, said Kensington Palace, for which William was “extremely grateful”.

Prior to the event, it was anticipated that the Prince of Wales would have private meetings with Trump and Dr. Biden. However, Kensington Palace confirmed that these meetings would take place following the ceremony, with William initially meeting Trump in the Salon Jaune of the UK Ambassadors’ Residence in Paris.

William shook Trump’s hand as he entered, and Trump said, “Good man, this one,” before telling the reporters that William was performing a “fantastic job.”

The Prince asked Trump if he had “warmed up” following the ceremony as they shook hands, and he replied, “I haven’t warmed up yet [but] I had a good time, it was a beautiful ceremony.”

Kensington Palace stated that “the warm, friendly meeting lasted around 40 minutes,” and that “the pair discussed a range of global issues but focused on the importance of the UK/US special relationship” .

“President Trump also shared some warm and fond memories with The Prince about the Late Queen for which HRH was extremely grateful,” the statement read.

When William arrived at the cathedral at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time, French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse Brigitte welcomed him and posed for photos.

Trump welcomed him inside and shook hands with William after giving him a shoulder pat.

Dr Biden was one of the last to arrive, and was joined by her daughter Ashley.

Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, was sitting next to William, who had on a long, warm overcoat over his suit.

Hollywood star Salma Hayek and her husband, French billionaire and retail tycoon François-Henri Pinault, who contributed 100 million euros ($105 million) to the cathedral’s restoration, were also present, as were former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, singer and fashion model Carla Bruni.

Elon Musk, the CEO of the tech company and a close friend of Trump, was also present.

After her arrival, US First Lady Dr. Biden was spotted talking to President-elect Trump while seated between her daughter and Brigitte Macron.

To stay warm in the chilly Parisian weather, Dr. Jill wore a stunning blue cashmere scarf with a black overcoat.

The ceremony honored the builders, firefighters, and rescuers who helped restore Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The five-year restoration project, which cost hundreds of millions of euros, is estimated to have involved 250 companies and hundreds of experts.

The renowned cathedral in Paris will reopen five years after centuries of history were nearly destroyed by a fire that destroyed the Gothic landmark.

The reopening ceremony will start with a “reawakening,” in which the Archbishop will symbolically tap the cathedral’s restored doors with a staff made from charred wood salvaged from the fire. This is not just a religious event for Catholics worldwide, but also a moment of cultural unification.

The cherished monument will formally resume worship with this act.

As a representative of the United Kingdom, William’s presence in Paris underscores his increasing global responsibilities.

The heir to the throne is attending the event at the request of His Majesty’s Government, and it is believed his meeting with Dr Biden and Trump will focus on strengthening ties between the two nations.