DONALD Trump has arrived in Paris and will meet Prince William ahead of the reopening ceremony for Notre Dame.
The incoming US leader will join the Prince of Wales and French President Emmanuel Macron to mark the return of the 800-year-old symbol of France.
The iconic cathedral has been restored after a devastating fire in 2019 tore through the roof and destroyed much of the site’s heritage.
William is expected to discuss the importance of the US-UK’s ‘special relationship’ with Trump, Kensington Palace has announced.
The 42-year-old will also meet with outgoing First Lady Jill Biden, as will Trump.
The trip to Paris marks William’s first visit since 2017 and will be his first meeting with Trump since 2019.
The newly elected president, in his inaugural overseas journey post-election victory, landed at Orly airport in southern Paris on a private aircraft around 7am, according to a source familiar with the matter as informed to AFP.
Trump is also set to hold talks with Macron before the ceremony and may also meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
The reopening of Notre Dame will encompass the ceremonial unlocking of the cathedral’s grand doors, the revival of its organ, and the observance of the initial Mass.
Macron toured the fully restored church last week as cameras were allowed in for the first time after the rebuilding project.
The extensive restoration took more than 60 months and cost a whopping £600million.
The restoration efforts have involved the complete rebuilding of the fallen fan-vaulted roof and spire, with construction workers discovering hidden artifacts amidst the charred remains.
Some 1200 oaks from across France were needed to completely rebuild the framework of the nave and the choir.
The ceremony comes at a critical time for Macron whose government is facing a crisis.
Earlier this week the 46-year-old announced he would not resign after his prime minister Michel Barnier lost a no-confidence vote in France’s parliament.
Trump’s movements will be highly watched – particularly if he were to meet with Zelensky.
He has pledged to get peace in Ukraine on “day one” with aides making clear Ukraine may need to cede land for peace, which Ukraine has rejected.
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