Following the ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral, The Prince of Wales met US President Elect Donald Trump. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic engagement between the two leaders, emphasising the enduring special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. Prince William has become the first member of the Royal Family to meet with the US President Elect following his election win last month.
William had been due to meet Donald Trump and the current US First Lady Dr Biden earlier in the day but had reportedly been delayed by weather on his journey from the UK to France.
Donald Trump and Prince William met in Paris. (Kensington Palace)
As President-Elect Trump arrived, the two leaders exchanged a firm handshake. Trump remarked, “Good man, this one,” referring warmly to Prince William.
During their brief conversation before the formal talks, His Royal Highness asked Trump if he had warmed up since attending the Notre-Dame ceremony, to which Trump replied that he had, describing the event as “beautiful.”
Prince William lightheartedly commented, “We can warm our toes up after the cathedral,” prompting a smile and an agreement from Trump: “Right, you’re right.”
The Prince of Wales and US President Elect Donald Trump held a ‘warm’ and ‘friendly’ meeting. (Kensington Palace)
Kensington Palace confirmed that the private meeting between the Prince of Wales and President-Elect Trump lasted approximately 40 minutes. The discussions were described as “warm” and “friendly,” covering a wide range of topics, including global issues and the importance of the UK-U.S. special relationship.
President-Elect Trump reportedly shared “warm and fond memories” of his State Visit to the UK in 2019, during which he had interactions with members of the Royal Family. The Prince of Wales expressed gratitude for Trump’s reminiscences, which reportedly included anecdotes about his admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince of Wales meeting US President Elect, Donald Trump at the UK Ambassadors residence in Paris, France. The pair attended the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening. pic.twitter.com/LyMxxEjvmE
— Aaron Chown (@aaronchown) December 7, 2024
During Trump’s 2019 State Visit to the UK, Elizabeth II hosted a State Banquet in his honour at Buckingham Palace. In her speech, she emphasised the ‘close and longstanding relationship’ between the two nations, expressing her delight at welcoming the President. ‘Visits by American Presidents always remind us of the close and longstanding friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States,’ she said, ‘and I am so glad that we have another opportunity to demonstrate the immense importance that both our countries attach to our relationship’.
Donald Trump, in his remarks at the banquet, praised the Queen as embodying ‘the spirit of dignity, duty, and patriotism that beats proudly in every British heart’. He concluded by proposing a toast to the Queen’s ‘truly remarkable reign’, underscoring his respect for her enduring leadership and the historical ties between the two nations.
The meeting between Prince William and President-Elect Donald Trump reflects the ongoing commitment of both nations to foster mutual respect and cooperation. As the UK and the U.S. face global challenges, the strong rapport between their leaders remains a vital component of international diplomacy.
