Latest Update: Prince William announces last-minute trip to Paris – details….Read More

Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen this weekend after the landmark went up in flames in 2019

The Prince of Wales will be among those attending the special ceremony marking the re-opening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday.

Prince William walking to Saatchi Gallery

A Kensington Palace spokesman announced just hours ahead of the Princess of Wales’ carol service: “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.”

US President-elect Donald Trump and dozens of heads of state and government have accepted invitations from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the ceremony.

Since April 2019, the Notre Dame has been undergoing restoration works. A fire broke out in the attic, destroying the oak roof beams and supporting lead roof.

The spire collapsed, bringing down 750 tonnes of stone and lead. Over 500 firefighters successfully fought the fire, saving the rest of the Cathedral, including the main structure, façade, towers, walls, buttresses, stained glass and the Great Organ.

During the initial stages of the fire, local Paris authorities were also able to save most art, artefacts and relics.

Prince William’s appearance will come hours after he is due to attend his wife Princess Kate’s Christmas Carol Service on Friday evening.

The last time the royal couple were in Paris together was in 2017, when they undertook a two-day visit to the French capital.

During their trip, the loved-up pair attended a “Les Voisins in Action” event which saw them travel to the 7th arrondissement – the home of the beloved Eiffel Tower.

Earlier this year, William joined other world leaders when he flew to Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Second World War D-Day landings.