Prince William will rush to France just hours after supporting Princess Kate at the Together at Christmas carol service this evening.
The Prince of Wales will travel to Paris on Saturday to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral, representing the United Kingdom.
A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed Prince William’s attendance at the historic event, which marks over five years since the devastating fire that struck the Parisian landmark.
They said: “The Prince of Wales will travel to Paris tomorrow to attend the ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The Prince of Wales will attend the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
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“His Royal Highness is travelling at the request of His Majesty’s Government on behalf of the United Kingdom.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has invited numerous world leaders to the ceremony, with dozens of heads of state and government accepting the invitation to witness the Cathedral’s return.
The reopening ceremony will see the Prince of Wales attend alongside numerous international dignitaries including US President-elect Donald Trump, who has accepted President Macron’s invitation to witness this historic moment.
The 2019 fire devastated the historic cathedral when flames broke out in the attic, destroying the oak roof beams and lead roof.
A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed Prince William’s attendance at the historic event.
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The catastrophic blaze led to the collapse of the spire, which brought down 750 tonnes of stone and lead.
More than 500 firefighters battled the flames, successfully saving the cathedral’s main structure, façade, towers, buttresses, stained glass and the Great Organ.
Local authorities managed to rescue most of the cathedral’s precious art, artefacts and relics during the initial stages of the emergency.
Prince William’s attendance at the Notre-Dame ceremony will come just hours after he joins his wife Princess Kate at her Christmas Carol Service on Friday evening.
Prince William’s attendance at the Notre-Dame ceremony will come just hours after he joins his wife Princess Kate at her Christmas Carol Service on Friday evening.
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The prince’s visit marks a significant return to the French capital, where he and Princess Kate last visited together in 2017 during a two-day official tour.
The Princess of Wales will not join William in Paris on Saturday as she continues to focus on her health.
Kate was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and completed her preventative chemotherapy treatment in September.
She has not undertaken any international engagements in 2024 but William did indicate last month that the couple may carry out an international tour next year.
