Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen (Image: Getty)
Prince William and US President-elect Donald Trump are both on the star-studded guest list for the reopening of the iconic in Paris – but weather is threatening to disrupt the event.
The famous French landmark was badly damaged in a 2019 fire and has undergone extensive works over the past half a decade to restore it.
While initial plans involved an outdoor start, strong winds have led authorities in France to hold the entire event, which will include 1,500 guests including around 50 world leaders.
An Élysée Palace statement read: “The very unfavorable weather conditions for Saturday in the Paris region require a reorganisation of the arrangements planned for the reopening ceremony.
“By mutual agreement between the the Diocese of Paris and the Presidency of the Republic, the entire ceremony will take place inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”
A spectacular outside concert possibly featuring ‘surprise superstars’ like Paul McCartney and Pharrell Williams will now no longer go ahead on Saturday. Instead, recordings completed inside the Cathedral on Friday night will be shown.
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Zelensky to meet Macron
Amongst the world leaders attending Saturday’s event is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ahead of the Notre Dame event, French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Mr Trump and then separately with Mr Zelensky, the French President’s office said.
It is not clear whether Mr Trump will meet Mr Zelensky. Mr Trump has vowed to end the war in swiftly but has not specified how he will do so, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.
(Image: Getty)
Strong winds lead to change of plans
An Élysée Palace statement read: “The very unfavorable weather conditions for Saturday in the Paris region require a reorganisation of the arrangements planned for the reopening ceremony.
“By mutual agreement between the the Diocese of Paris and the Presidency of the Republic, the entire ceremony will take place inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”
Strong winds lead to slight change in schedule
The Prince of Wales, America’s first lady Jill Biden, and US President-elect , along with nearly 50 heads of state and government and personalities – 1,500 guests in all – will attend the reopening celebration under Notre Dame’s soaring Gothic arches, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.
Instead of starting from the cathedral’s forecourt as initially planned and because of strong winds forecast for Saturday evening in Paris, the French presidential palace and the Paris diocese said Friday the entire opening ceremony will be held inside Notre Dame.
Prince William to meet with Donald Trump during visit
The Prince of Wales will meet US president-elect in Paris on Saturday as he joins world leaders for the ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral.
William will travel to France at the request of the Government for the high-profile event celebrating the restoration of the world-famous landmark following a devastating fire in 2019.
While in Paris, he will hold meetings with both Mr Trump and America’s outgoing first lady Jill Biden ahead of the ceremony, Kensington Palace said.
William last met Mr Trump in 2019 when the then-president made a state visit to the UK.
(Image: Getty)
Millions set to visit reopened cathedral every year
After the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors a year – up from 12 million before the fire.
Following the 2019 fire, nearly one billion dollars (£784 million) in donations quickly poured in from every corner of the world.
Security set to be tight
Security will be tight all through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
The Ile de la Cite – 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.
Security will be tight for Saturday’s event (Image: Getty)
Event to take place this afternoon
The official reopening is scheduled for 5.30pm on Saturday. We will continue to bring you further updates throughout the day.
Dozens of world leaders to attend
Around 50 world leaders and heads of state are set to attend the event.
will be representing Britain at the event.
Other guests include US President-Elect . Sitting President will not be at the event.
President-Elect Donald Trump will be attending (Image: Getty)
Cathedral to reopen after £700million
More than £700million has been spent on restoring the Paris landmark following the fire in 2019.
The cathedral is set to receive its official reopening over the weekend.
You can see inside
Inside the restored Notre Dame Cathedral (Image: Getty)