Kensington Palace has announced that the Prince of Wales will attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend.
Prince William will travel to France on Saturday to take part in celebrations celebrating the restoration of the world-famous Gothic building, which was destroyed by fire five years ago.
Kensington Palace said the prince was traveling “at the request of Her Majesty’s Government on behalf of the United Kingdom.”
The reopening ceremony will be attended by world leaders and heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump.
This medieval cathedral has been closed since a massive fire in 2019 destroyed the stained glass windows and wooden interior before toppling the spire.
Approximately 600 firefighters battled the fire for 15 hours.
The main structures of the 850-year-old building were preserved, including the two bell towers.
Immediately after the fire, President Macron set a five-year goal for rebuilding the Catholic Church.
At the time, the French Ministry of Culture announced that millions of euros had been raised or pledged for the production.
The project will involve an estimated 2,000 masons, carpenters, restorers, roofers, foundries, art specialists, sculptors and engineers, and will cost a reported €700m (£582m). Masu.
When King Charles visited France as a state guest last year, he visited the cathedral to see the progress of its restoration and was shown the craftsmanship involved in the reconstruction.
Last week, President Macron toured the building on live television ahead of its official opening, giving the public a first look inside.
Not only has the building been restored, but it has also been cleared of dust and soot from centuries of fires.
In his speech, President Macron paid tribute to the craftsmen involved in the renovation.
“The Notre Dame fire was a national wound, and through your will, work and dedication, you healed that wound,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful, and France is deeply grateful,” the president said, adding, “You brought Notre Dame back.”
Prince William last visited Paris in 2017, on a two-day trip with his wife, Duchess Kate.
The reopening, which will take place throughout the weekend, will include the ceremonial opening of the cathedral’s huge doors, the reawakening of its roaring organ and the celebration of the first Mass.
Tickets for the first week of Masses held in the restored church sold out within 25 minutes of going on sale, the cathedral’s pastor said.
