Donald Trump praises Prince William as the two meet in Paris, 'Great man this one'

 William and Donald Trump exchanged greetings and spoke briefly during a high-profile ceremony in Paris. The two crossed paths at the British ambassador’s residence, where William, sporting a neatly trimmed beard, welcomed Trump with a warm handshake and the words, "Great to see you."

The Prince of Wales and the former U.S. president were later photographed together in the residence's foyer, sharing a light moment. Trump was overheard praising the Prince, saying, "Great man, this one. He's going to do a fantastic job." A statement from Kensington Palace described their meeting as “warm and friendly,” according to the New York Post.

A Focus on Diplomacy and Shared Memories

Kensington Palace revealed that the discussion between William and Trump covered a variety of global issues, emphasizing the strong and enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. The Palace added that Trump shared fond memories of Queen Elizabeth II, which were met with gratitude by Prince William.

The meeting highlighted the mutual respect and diplomatic rapport between the two nations. Although William’s main focus was the ceremony itself, his engagement with Trump underscored the Prince’s role as a key diplomatic figure.

Meeting Plans Adjusted by Weather

William was also scheduled to meet with First Lady Jill Biden, who attended the Paris ceremony on behalf of President Joe Biden. However, adverse weather conditions delayed William’s arrival in Paris, causing adjustments to his planned schedule. Despite the challenges, William prioritized his diplomatic commitments, including his interaction with Trump and Jill Biden.

A Historic Event at Notre Dame

The gathering in Paris celebrated the restoration of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after it was ravaged by a devastating fire. The event was attended by an array of dignitaries and celebrities, including actress Salma Hayek and her husband, billionaire French fashion mogul François-Henri Pinault, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In his remarks on social media, William expressed admiration for the restoration efforts. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "A wonderful event to celebrate the reopening of the @notredameparis. It is an immense achievement to renovate such a beautiful and culturally important building. Thank you and well done to everyone who has been a part of this project."

A History of Diplomatic Engagement

This meeting between William and Trump marked their first interaction since 2019, when Trump visited the UK during his presidency. On that occasion, Trump spoke highly of his encounter with the late Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting on the deep ties between the two countries and their leaders.

The event in Paris provided an opportunity to reinforce the historical connection between the UK and the U.S., with William stepping into a prominent diplomatic role. His interactions with world leaders and cultural figures demonstrated his commitment to fostering international relationships while honoring significant cultural achievements.