Monaco’s Prince Albert II has joined more than 40 global leaders and hundreds of dignitaries in celebrating the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris after five years of restoration work. The ceremony marked the Gothic cathedral’s return to its former glory after a devastating fire in 2019 destroyed large parts of the historic site, including its iconic spire.
The grand unveiling of Notre-Dame took place on 7th December in the presence of thousands of esteemed guests, from heads of state to religious leaders, who had gathered at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron in the cathedral’s pristine and newly renovated interior.
On 15th April 2019, a structural fire broke out under the eaves of Notre-Dame, ultimately engulfing the spire and much of the roof. Now, more than five and a half years later, the French capital has celebrated the culmination of a €700 million restoration effort that saw skilled craftsmen, architects and volunteers from around the world come together to save this historic and religious monument.
Among those invited to participate in the emotionally charged event was Monaco sovereign Prince Albert II, who praised the colossal achievements of all involved and emphasised the importance of preserving cultural treasures as part of our shared human heritage – something he actively supports through the Grimaldi Historic Sites network.
Other important figures in attendance included French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte; US President-elect Donald Trump; American First Lady Jill Biden; billionaire Elon Musk; the UK’s Prince William; and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the latter of whom received a standing ovation upon his arrival.
Macron, who is embroiled in a domestic political crisis, used the occasion to highlight French resilience and patriotism, calling the restored cathedral “a beautiful metaphor for what a nation is, and what the world should be”.
Despite uncooperative weather moving part of the ceremony indoors, the event retained its grandeur, blending Catholic tradition with contemporary reflections on history and unity. Pope Francis, while absent, sent a message that was read aloud at the ceremony, describing the reopening as a moment of “joy, celebration and praise”.
For attendees and home viewers alike, one of the most striking aspects of the day was the breathtaking transformation of the cathedral’s interior. The restoration allowed workers to remove centuries of dirt and pollution, unveiling a luminous Gothic masterpiece that appeared both timeless and rejuvenated.
As Macron addressed the 2,000-strong congregation, he reflected, “The world will find again this cathedral, rebuilt and embellished. Tonight, we share joy and pride.”
The reopening of Notre-Dame stands not just as the restoration of a landmark, but as a touching testament to solidarity and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
To see more photographs from the ceremony, click on the images below:
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Photos credit: Philémon Henry / MEAE