Notre Dame reopening plunges into chaos as dire weather strikes Paris | World | News

Prince William and US President-elect Donald Trump are both on the star-studded guest list for the reopening of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris – but weather is threatening to disrupt the event.

The famous French landmark was badly damaged in a 2019 fire and has undergone extensive works worth around £700million over the past half a decade to restore it.

While initial plans involved an outdoor start, strong winds have led authorities in France to hold the entire event, which will include 1,500 guests including around 50 world leaders.

An Élysée Palace statement read: “The very unfavorable weather conditions for Saturday in the Paris region require a reorganisation of the arrangements planned for the reopening ceremony.

“By mutual agreement between the the Diocese of Paris and the Presidency of the Republic, the entire ceremony will take place inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”

A spectacular outside concert possibly featuring ‘surprise superstars’ like Paul McCartney and Pharrell Williams will now no longer go ahead on Saturday. Instead, recordings completed inside the Cathedral on Friday night will be shown.

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