Prince William’s urgent meeting with Donald Trump and Jill Biden at request of UK government TODAY

As the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris gets ready to reopen its doors after a devastating blaze, Prince William will be meeting with US First Lady Dr Jill Biden and President Elect Donald Trump.

They will be among the world leaders, dignitaries and worshippers gathering to mark the reopening following the restoration of the 861-year-old landmark. The cathedral was almost destroyed when a fire broke out in 2019, and over the course of five years, the structure that took almost two centuries to build was restored.

A reopening celebration is being held this evening under the Gothic arches, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich with around 1,500 guests expected to attend. It comes as the Prince of Wales has begun to take on an increased role as a global statesman over the last two years, with royal sources saying “this is a further example of The Prince stepping up onto the world stage to represent the United Kingdom.”

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “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.”

In Paris Prince William last met the current First Lady of the United States when she attended His Majesty’s Coronation in 2023, and last rubbed shoulders with President Elect Trump at his state visit to the UK in 2019, during his last presidency. Ahead of the gathering of world leaders, a huge security operation involving surface-to-air missiles and SAS-style anti-terrorist units was spotted.