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- Trump attended the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame in Paris, France, marking the first event since the cathedral's 2019 fire.
- During the meeting with Prince William, discussions emphasized the longstanding relationship between the US and UK despite political tensions.
- This meeting signifies the importance of royal diplomacy in maintaining international relations.
In early December 2024, Prince William met with Donald Trump at the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame in Paris, France. The event marked the first opening of the historically significant cathedral since it was devastated by a fire in 2019. During their meeting, Trump and William engaged in amiable discussions, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. Trump was initially scheduled to meet with the Prince for half an hour, but travel disruptions caused a rescheduling of the meeting. Notably, Trump, who is 78, has consistently claimed to stand at 6 feet 3 inches tall, a claim that may be exaggerated considering observers noted Prince William appeared taller during their encounter. The diplomatic significance of such meetings between the British royal family and American presidents is rooted in history. The late Queen Elizabeth II met with nearly every US president during her reign, reinforcing the notion that the monarchy plays a vital role in bolstering Britain's international relationships, particularly with the US. The dynamics of the current political climate have led to contrasting views among British leaders regarding Trump. Sir Keir Starmer, the opposition leader, has criticized Trump in the past, whereas members of the royal family traditionally aim to maintain neutrality. Trump's penchant for being the center of attention hasn't gone unnoticed, as world leaders often find themselves adjusting to his larger-than-life persona in diplomatic settings. This meeting was crucial as it represented not only personal interactions but also the historical 'special relationship' between the two nations. As there was little prior chemistry displayed between Trump and British political figures, the royal family appears to serve as a bridge to maintain cordial relations. Despite the political tensions and differing opinions, Trump sought to position himself as a congenial leader during his visit, particularly during the ceremonial aspects that surrounded the reopening of the cathedral. The reopening was a significant event for both the French and the wider international community, as it symbolized resilience following a major disaster. Observers noted that Trump's meeting with the Prince of Wales may generate discussions about future cooperation between the two countries, especially in light of Trump's fluctuating stance on foreign relations and previous criticisms by UK political figures. The meeting concluded on a positive note, potentially paving the way for stronger diplomatic ties between the incoming administration and Britain.