Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will be in attendance at the long-awaited reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday, marking the end of a major multi-year restoration project after the 2019 fire that ravaged the historic landmark. The event is expected to attract about 50 heads of state and government as they celebrate not only the end of the cathedral’s renovation but also the resilience of France and the global Catholic community.
Kensington Palace Confirms Prince William’s Attendance
Kensington Palace has stated that the Prince of Wales will travel to Paris on behalf of the UK government at the request of the UK government, to represent His Majesty’s Government. According to a palace spokesperson, “The Prince of Wales will travel to Paris tomorrow to attend the ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral. His Royal Highness is travelling at the request of His Majesty’s Government on behalf of the United Kingdom.”
Significance of the Event and Attendees
The event will be attended by several world leaders, including US president-elect Donald Trump, who has confirmed his presence. French President Emmanuel Macron has invited dozens of dignitaries, further emphasizing the importance of the occasion.
It is the first official visit of Prince William to Paris since 2017, when he and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visited the city for two days after the Brexit referendum. Kate Middleton will not accompany him on this visit. The palace confirmed that she would stay in the UK as she continues her recovery following a return to public engagements after undergoing cancer treatment.
Notre-Dame’s Big Opening and Mass Celebrations
The grand reopening will take place in two stages. Saturday evening will be the ceremonial service with over 1,500 guests who will attend to celebrate the cathedral’s return to public life. Sunday will have the inaugural Mass with rites to consecrate the main altar. These services will be broadcast globally and highlight the importance of the cathedral as a cultural and religious landmark after 850 years of history.
Tickets for the first week of Masses sold out in 25 minutes, testifying to the desire of the faithful to go back to worship within the refurbished sacred space. The event will represent the victory of resilience and restoration for both France and the Catholic Church.
Royal Attendance and Health Updates
Although Prince William’s attendance is confirmed, no information is available on whether any of the other senior royals including King Charles III will attend the event. Buckingham Palace has not made known the monarch’s intentions of attendance. King Charles has indeed missed several public events because of his cancer treatment, which he is currently receiving. Queen Camilla was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to cancel several events.
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