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Donald Trump hails William as a ‘good man’ as chummy President-elect and Prince of Wales share extra heat handshakes on the British Embassy after attending Notre-Dame ceremony

Donald Trump has hailed Prince William a ‘good man’ and praised him for ‘doing a fantastic job’ after they met following the historic re-opening of the Notre-Dame. 

The Prince of Wales and US President-elect were all smiles when they met at the residence of the British ambassador in Paris tonight. 

Exchanging another warm handshake with William as he entered the foyer, Trump turned to reporters and said: ‘Wow, what a nice group.’

In what was US President elect’s first meeting with a member of the Royal Family since his landslide election victory last month, he praised the Prince, quipping: ‘Good man, this one.’ 

The Prince of Wales asked Trump if he had warmed up to which the politician replied that he had, noting that the lavish event marking the re-opening of the 861-year-old cathedral ‘was a beautiful ceremony’.

The two men stood next to each other as the Republican pointed his thumb towards William before adding: ‘He’s doing a fantastic job’.

Prince William expected to meet with Trump for half an hour prior to the glamorous ceremony at the Notre Dame tonight to discuss the US and UK’s ‘special relationship’.

But travel disruption caused by Storm Darragh, which has battered parts of the UK, meant the royal had to reschedule his meeting both with the once and future President as well as the current US First Lady Jill Biden.   

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump meets Britain's Prince William at the UK Ambassador's Residence in Paris

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump meets Britain’s Prince William at the UK Ambassador’s Residence in Paris

The Prince of Wales and US President-elect Donal Trump were all smiles when they met at the residence of the British ambassador in Paris tonight

The Prince of Wales and US President-elect Donal Trump were all smiles when they met at the residence of the British ambassador in Paris tonight

Exchanging another warm handshake with William as he entered the foyer, the US President-elect turned to reporters and said 'wow, what a nice group'

Exchanging another warm handshake with William as he entered the foyer, the US President-elect turned to reporters and said ‘wow, what a nice group’

In what was Trump's first meeting with a member of the Royal Family since his landslide election victory last month, he praised the Prince, quipping: 'Good man, this one.'

In what was Trump’s first meeting with a member of the Royal Family since his landslide election victory last month, he praised the Prince, quipping: ‘Good man, this one.’

The Prince of Wales and US President-elect Donald Trump standing side by side at the foyer of the residence of the British ambassador in Paris

The Prince of Wales and US President-elect Donald Trump standing side by side at the foyer of the residence of the British ambassador in Paris

Instead of their originally planned private chat, the First Lady and William was going to have a private chat on the side-lines of the ceremony, Kensington Palace previously said. 

After speaking in the foyer of BUILDING, Trump and Prince William walked upstairs to begin their talks.

Mr Trump and William sat on light-yellow sofas in the Salon Jaune room, which had gold-coloured patterned wallpaper, a Christmas tree in the corner and a chandelier overhead.

Before the meeting began, William said: ‘We can warm our toes up after the cathedral’ to which Trump smiled and responded: ‘Right, you’re right’.

The meeting between the US President-elect and the Prince of Wales concluded at around 10.20pm local time, after around 40 minutes of discussion. 

Inside the 861-year-old cathedral – before what was its first opening since being devastated by an inferno in 2019 – the Prince of Wales shared a warm and firm handshake prior to their private meeting. 

During the brief exchange, Trump placed his hand on William’s shoulder as the pair chatted ahead of the momentous ceremony. 

The Prince of Wales shook hands with US President-elect Donald Trump who he will be having discussions with following the ceremony tonight

The hirsuite Prince is all smiles ahead of the ceremony tonight

The hirsuite Prince is all smiles ahead of the ceremony tonight

President-elect Donald Trump greets Prince William, Prince of Wales during the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedra

President-elect Donald Trump greets Prince William, Prince of Wales during the ceremony to mark the reopening of Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedra

Prince William and Jill Biden were expected to meet ahead of the ceremony but will now chat on the side-lines of the event due to delays in the William's travel due to Storm Darragh

Prince William and Jill Biden were expected to meet ahead of the ceremony but will now chat on the side-lines of the event due to delays in the William’s travel due to Storm Darragh

Guests stand as the doors to Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral open during a ceremony to mark the re-opening

Guests stand as the doors to Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral open during a ceremony to mark the re-opening

William travelled to France by request of the Government for the event celebrating the £600 million restoration of the landmark cathedral following a devastating fire five years ago.

The hirsute Prince wore a long formal dark navy coat whilst being welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte ahead of the historic ceremony.

Elsewhere inside the grandiose place of worship, a roaring applause erupted when Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky entered the building filled with 40 world leaders as well as several celebrities, including Elon Musk and Salma Hayek

The beginning of the ceremony was confirmed with the ringing of the cathedral’s iconic largest bell – the bourdon – which was created in 1683 and named Emmanuel by its godfather Louis XIV. 

The bell, which was heard ringing at an F sharp note, is believed to be one of the most beautiful in Europe, weighing at 13 tons and was the only one to evade being destroyed following the French Revolution. 

Before bells chimes rang throughout Paris, Donald Trump made his way to the ceremony, shortly after being welcomed by the Macron at The Élysée Presidential Palace in a meeting attended by Zelensky. 

President Emmanual Macron said it was a ‘great honour’ to host Donald Trump at the Élysée ahead of the ceremony at the Notre Dame. 

The pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands in what is the president-elect’s first international trip since his landslide election victory last month. 

Prince William has arrived at the glamorous reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris alongside world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron (Pictured with Brigitte Macron)

Prince William has arrived at the glamorous reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris alongside world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron (Pictured with Brigitte Macron)

Prior to the historic ceremony the Prince had a brief and friendly exchange with the Macrons

Prior to the historic ceremony the Prince had a brief and friendly exchange with the Macrons

The hirsute Prince wore a long formal dark navy coat whilst braving the Parisian cold weather this evening

The hirsute Prince wore a long formal dark navy coat whilst braving the Parisian cold weather this evening 

Donal Trump is greeted by President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron ahead of the ceremony

Donal Trump is greeted by President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron ahead of the ceremony

The French and US world leader and Brigitte Macron stand side by side as guests fill the historic cathedral

The French and US world leader and Brigitte Macron stand side by side as guests fill the historic cathedral

Macron and Brigitte watch Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich inaugurating the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral

Macron and Brigitte watch Paris’ archbishop Laurent Ulrich inaugurating the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral

Guests stand as Church Banners are paraded through the cathedral ahead of the clergy entering

Guests stand as Church Banners are paraded through the cathedral ahead of the clergy entering

The clergy make their way down the central isle of the Notre Dame cathedral in central Paris

The clergy make their way down the central isle of the Notre Dame cathedral in central Paris

French firefighters (Pictured right) attending the formal reopening of France's iconic Notre Dame cathedral on December 7

Firefighters, rescuers as well as builders involved in the restoration of the cathedral are applauded by guests

An eruption of applause echoed throughout the cathedral for the brave firefighters and builders for their work in saving the historic building

An eruption of applause echoed throughout the cathedral for the brave firefighters and builders for their work in saving the historic building

Guests and onlookers applauded for one minute in honour of the 160 firefighters (Pictured in Notre Dame) who played a key role in saving the cathedral from complete destruction

Guests and onlookers applauded for one minute in honour of the 160 firefighters (Pictured in Notre Dame) who played a key role in saving the cathedral from complete destruction 

Archbishop of Paris, Bishop Laurent Ulrich, (Pictured centre) closes his eyes in the Notre Dame

Archbishop of Paris, Bishop Laurent Ulrich, (Pictured centre) closes his eyes in the Notre Dame

Archbishop Ulrich reading at the beginning of the ceremony marking the Notre Dame's re-opening

Archbishop Ulrich reading at the beginning of the ceremony marking the Notre Dame’s re-opening

Archbishop Ulrich inaugurating the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral by knocking on the doors during the reopening ceremony

Archbishop Ulrich inaugurating the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral by knocking on the doors during the reopening ceremony

Emotional locals outside the Notre Dame to witness tonight's historic event

Emotional locals outside the Notre Dame to witness tonight’s historic event  

A roaring applause could be heard in the cathedral as the President of Ukraine - Volodymyr Zelensky - entered

A roaring applause could be heard in the cathedral as the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky – entered

Donald Trump firmly shakes the hand of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelesnky inside the Notre Dame

Donald Trump firmly shakes the hand of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelesnky inside the Notre Dame

Elon Musk arriving at the ceremony at the centuries old cathedral tonight in Paris

Elon Musk arriving at the ceremony at the centuries old cathedral tonight in Paris

The entrepreneur and the US President elect share an exchange at the historic event

The entrepreneur and the US President elect share an exchange at the historic event 

Trump and Macron sit next to one another during the ceremony at Notre Dame tonight

Trump and Macron sit next to one another during the ceremony at Notre Dame tonight

Macron points as he talks with the US President-elect and his wife Brigitte inside the Notre Dame

Macron points as he talks with the US President-elect and his wife Brigitte inside the Notre Dame

Donald Trump has been welcomed by President Macron as he arrived at for the re-opening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral

Donald Trump has been welcomed by President Macron as he arrived at for the re-opening ceremony of the Notre Dame cathedral

The pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands in what is the president-elect's first international trip since his landslide victory last month

The pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands in what is the president-elect’s first international trip since his landslide victory last month

Emmanuel Macron welcomes US president-elect Donald Trump before a meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Emmanuel Macron welcomes US president-elect Donald Trump before a meeting at he Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Post-talks the three world leaders were seen pictured alongside one another before heading to the Notre Dame, as Macron posed a thumbs up for the camera

Post-talks the three world leaders were seen pictured alongside one another before heading to the Notre Dame, as Macron posed a thumbs up for the camera

A photo shows the facade of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony

A photo shows the facade of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony

The US president-elect said the pair would be discussing a world that’s gone ‘a little crazy’ in their meeting, where Ukraine‘s Zelenksy also attended.

Zelenksy was seen firmly shaking the hand of the Élysée’s director of protocol Frederic Billet before entering trilateral talks with the once and future US President as well as Macron. 

The surprise meeting was of significant importance, as there are fears Trump, who previously bragged he could end the Russo-Ukraine conflict in less than 24, could try and force them to accept peace terms favourable to Russia. 

Post-talks the three world leaders were seen posing alongside one another, with Macron putting a thumbs up to the camera, before heading to the 861-year-old cathedral for its first official reopening since 2019. 

Zelensky has since confirmed that the discussions between the three world leaders were ‘good and productive’. 

He wrote on X: ‘We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace.’

Coupled with a picture of the three world leaders, Macron wrote on the social media platform: ‘United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security.’

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for a meeting with France's President at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for a meeting with France’s President at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with The Elysee's director of protocol Frederic Billet

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with The Elysee’s director of protocol Frederic Billet 

Zelensky is welcomed by Billet before meeting with Macron on December 7

Zelensky is welcomed by Billet before meeting with Macron on December 7 

Macron poses with US President Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky before a trilateral meeting at the Elysse Palace in Paris

Macron poses with US President Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky before a trilateral meeting at the Elysse Palace in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump attend a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump attend a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier attending the welcome ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier attending the welcome ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral Paris 

Images shared to social media revealed that Macron and Trump is sitting side by side at the historic event, whilst Zelensky was nearby to their right.    

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating a relationship with the President-elect since he defeated Kamala Harris in the US election last month.

But his office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying that other politicians who do not currently hold office had been invited as well.

Elsewhere outside the Notre Dame, a small group of Americans gathered in protest against Trump, according to AP. 

The protesters held a banner which read ‘Paris Against Trump’ slamming Macron for inviting the US President-elect. 

‘We find this a bit shameful and sad that Trump is invited here, especially since he has gone against everything the Church stands for,’ said Ehlyr O’Rourke, 34, a spokesperson for the association. 

‘We don’t understand why a criminal, a sex offender, a felon can actually be invited in here.’ 

During the event, Macron thanked the ‘brotherhood’ from all continents across the globe for their help in what he described as a ‘leap of faith’ to rebuild the Notre Dame, which originally took nearly two centuries to build, in only five years. 

‘Brotherhood from all continents, from all religions, from all walks of life, all united in hope,’ he said. 

Concluding his speech to a standing ovation, Macron added: ‘Notre-Dame de Paris has been returned to you, you have made this possible. 

‘Long live Notre-Dame de Paris, long live the Republic, long live France.’

Macron also extended his gratitude to the French people regarding the restoration of the iconic cathedral. 

He added: ‘We must treasure this lesson of fragility, humility and will, and never forget how much each person counts, and how the greatness of this cathedral is inseparable from the work of all.’ 

Guests and onlookers also applauded for one minute in honour of the 160 firefighters who played a key role in saving the cathedral from complete destruction. 

The word ‘Merci’ was projected onto the side of the building in a display of gratitude dedicated to the emergency responders. 

Pope Francis  – who was absent from the ceremony – said that he hoped the ‘rebirth’ of the iconic cathedral ‘would constitute a prophetic sign of the renewal of the Church in France’.

The head of the Catholic Church called for entry into the Notre Dame to remain free as the place of worship opens its doors once more. 

The cathedral renovation chief, Philippe Jost said he hoped the Notre Dame’s re-opening would be a ‘great moment of unity’ for France and the entire world. 

‘Notre Dame de Paris unites. There are so many divisive factors. An event like this must unite, must help concord and peace to grow throughout the world,’ he said. 

World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers also gathered to mark the occasion, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. 

Arnault family arrive inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the landmark cathedral today

Arnault family arrive inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of a ceremony to mark the re-opening of the landmark cathedral today

Actress Salma Hayek and her husband CEO of Kering Francois-Henri Pinault sit inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of the ceremony

Actress Salma Hayek and her husband CEO of Kering Francois-Henri Pinault sit inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of the ceremony

Salma Hayek videos the ceremony at Notre Dame tonight as the 861-year-old building opens its doors once again

Salma Hayek videos the ceremony at Notre Dame tonight as the 861-year-old building opens its doors once again

Elon Musk sat a couple of rows in front of Salma Hayek and her husband Henri Pinault at tonight's ceremony

Elon Musk sat a couple of rows in front of Salma Hayek and her husband Henri Pinault at tonight’s ceremony

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife French-Italian singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife French-Italian singer and model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal talks with other guests inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of the ceremony

Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal talks with other guests inside Notre Dame Cathedral ahead of the ceremony

Guests arriving at landmark French cathedral as it prepares to formally reopen its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed it in 2019

Guests arriving at landmark French cathedral as it prepares to formally reopen its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed it in 2019

Due to poor weather, the entire opening ceremony for 1,500 guests were held inside the cathedral itself, the French presidential palace and Paris diocese confirmed.

This morning, organisers said 50mph gusts of wind and heavy downpours would disrupt the evening ceremony. 

Notre Dame’s rector, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, said the cathedral is ‘more than just a French monument’ and is a beloved treasure of world’s cultural heritage.

‘The cathedral is a magnificent symbol of unity,’ the rector said. ‘A sign of hope, because what seemed impossible has become possible.’

Saturday’s events blended solemn religious tradition with cultural grandeur, starting with Ulrich symbolically reopening Notre Dame’s grand wooden doors.

Tapping them three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the cathedral’s fire-ravaged roof, the Archbishop officially declared the cathedral open for worship once more.

Psalms, prayers, and hymns filled cavernous space as the cathedral’s thunderous 8,000 pipe organ, silenced since by the fire, rang out again, as four organists performed an improvised interplay of melodies.

Security was tighter than usual outside the US Embassy and other sites around Paris for the Notre Dame reopening, where dozens of international VIPs were expected. 

Photo shows the inside of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony

Photo shows the inside of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, ahead of its official reopening ceremony

Millions watched on in horror as an inferno ravaged Notre Dame in April 2019

Millions watched on in horror as an inferno ravaged Notre Dame in April 2019

Prince William (right) accepted an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron (left) to attend Notre Dame's grand re-opening, on Saturday

Prince William (right) accepted an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron (left) to attend Notre Dame’s grand re-opening, on Saturday

A view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening on December 6

A view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening on December 6

More than 20 French government security agents have been helping ensure Trump’s safety alongside the Secret Service, according to French national police. A special French police van was providing anti-drone protection for Trump’s convoy. 

There are 6,000 police officers, gendarmes and military personnel in the area, which includes members of the SAS-style GIGN, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, who will provide everything from rooftop snipers to helicopter-borne rapid intervention teams.

Mobile weapons systems in the area include Crotale New Generation short-range air defence units.

Groups such as Al-Qaeda and Isis, who have brought terror to the streets of Paris over the past decade, have threatened the Notre Dame opening, meaning ‘the terrorist threat is at its highest,’ said Paris police prefect, Laurence Nuñez.

The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Security is understood to be tight throughout the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.

The Île de la Cité – the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame – will be closed to tourists and non-residents, with access restricted to invitees and those who live on the island.

Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. 

Smoke billows as flames burn through the roof of the Notre-Dame cathedral on April 15, 2019

Smoke billows as flames burn through the roof of the Notre-Dame cathedral on April 15, 2019 

A tourist boat cruises on the Seine river in front of Notre-Dame on the eve of its reopening

A tourist boat cruises on the Seine river in front of Notre-Dame on the eve of its reopening

After five years of restoration, on Saturday, the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral will reopen its doors to the world in the presence of Emmanuel Macron and around 50 heads of state

After five years of restoration, on Saturday, the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral will reopen its doors to the world in the presence of Emmanuel Macron and around 50 heads of state

A light show is projected on the facade of Notre-Dame on the eve of its reopening to the public

A light show is projected on the facade of Notre-Dame on the eve of its reopening to the public

French Police officers perform security checks on members of the public near the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, on December 7

French Police officers perform security checks on members of the public near the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, on December 7

Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to re-open early December 2024, with a weekend of ceremonies on December 7 and 8, 2024

Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to re-open early December 2024, with a weekend of ceremonies on December 7 and 8, 2024

The star-studded concert took centre stage inside the cathedral in tribute to its resurrection and to those who laboured to restore it, offering a universal message of harmony. 

Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende were among the world-famous artists who performed.

On Sunday, Ulrich will lead the inaugural Mass and consecrate the cathedral’s new altar, designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one crushed beneath the flaming spire in the blaze.

All tickets sold out within 25 minutes of being offered to Catholics online. 

Nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad will attend, alongside priests from all 113 parishes of the Paris diocese.

For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral ‘carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.’

‘It is a magnificent symbol of unity, a sign of hope,’ Dumas said.

The range of dignitaries coming to Paris from Africa to the Mideast and the U.S. underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

The ambitious five-year restoration timeline, was announced just a day after the 2019 fire, had seemed improbable to many.

It comes as Macron’s presidency faces its gravest crisis after the government’s collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections, with calls from opposition forces now growing louder for Macron to resign. 

But he vowed in an address to the nation on Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he’ll name a new prime minister within days.

General view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening

General view inside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening

A light show is projected on the facade of the cathedral on December 6

A light show is projected on the facade of the cathedral on December 6

A woman takes a video of the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral during the final preparations for its reopening

A woman takes a video of the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral during the final preparations for its reopening

A view taken from the rooftop of the Hotel Paradiso shows the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, five-and-a-half years after a fire ravaged the Gothic masterpiece, on the eve of reopening ceremonies, in Paris, France, December 6

A view taken from the rooftop of the Hotel Paradiso shows the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, five-and-a-half years after a fire ravaged the Gothic masterpiece, on the eve of reopening ceremonies, in Paris, France, December 6

General view outside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening, on December 6

General view outside Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral before its reopening, on December 6

As France struggles with economic woes and mounting social unrest, Notre Dame’s rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast to the crisis.

For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one – after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.

Following the 2019 fire, nearly $1 billion in donations quickly poured in from around the world, testifying to Notre Dame’s universal appeal.

Visitors can now book free tickets to visit the Notre Dame via its website, with the cathedral open to attendees from December 8. 

During its first week, the cathedral will be open until 10pm but will then return to normal opening hours. 

Group pilgrimages will be welcome from February 2025, with groups of tourist able to book a tour at the historic cathedral from June 9.