On December 7th, a significant encounter unfolded in Paris as Donald Trump crossed paths with Prince William at the British Embassy, following the grand reopening ceremony of Notre Dame. Trump, addressing the reporters present at the event, was effusive in his praise, characterizing William as a “terrific gentleman” who was “accomplishing remarkable feats.” The two engaged in a warm handshake before proceeding to another room to engage in a more intimate conversation.
Trump has long harbored an admiration for the British Royal Family. Since ascending to power in early 2025, numerous speculations have arisen, suggesting that this fondness for the Windsors could potentially fortify his diplomatic ties with Washington. Recalling his past meeting with the late Queen Elizabeth II, Trump recounted that he had “appreciated them all” and, while she hadn’t provided a direct response regarding her favorite U.S. president, he had gathered from many sources that he was purportedly her “preferred choice.”
It is widely believed that the rendezvous between Trump and Prince William was a strategic maneuver aimed at bolstering the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. This would prove advantageous for the Royals, especially as they strive to maintain the U.S. as a steadfast ally while also navigating the complex waters of rekindling connections with Europe in the aftermath of Brexit.
In a rather unexpected turn, Trump also had some remarks to offer about Prince William’s appearance. In an interview with the New York Post, he divulged not only that he had engaged in a “splendid conversation” with the Prince “for over half an hour” but also added, “He’s an extremely dashing individual. He cut a truly magnificent figure last night. You know how some people look even better up close? He was outstanding. He looked absolutely splendid, and I made sure to convey that to him.”
Beyond lavishing praise on William’s physical allure, Trump delved into the health challenges faced by King Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, both of whom had recently received cancer diagnoses. Trump noted that William had indicated his wife was faring well, but his father was “battling valiantly,” which royal insiders interpreted as an indication of the King’s determination to lead an active lifestyle rather than a cause for alarm regarding his health.
King Charles has consistently been cautious about treading into political waters. However, back in 2019, he did partake in an afternoon tea “double date” with Camilla, Melania Trump, and Donald.
During this momentous meeting, the President-elect bestowed these words of acclamation upon England’s future monarch. Earlier that day, Prince William had engaged in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron.
In the interview with the New York Post, it was further reported that Trump told President Emmanuel Macron of France, “You have no idea how masterfully you managed that chapel. It’s an incredibly arduous task. Meticulous to the extreme.”
The medieval Catholic cathedral, Notre Dame, reopened nearly six years after the catastrophic fire in 2019 that had ravaged the world heritage landmark. The encounter between Donald Trump and Prince William was just one highlight of a weekend replete with ceremonies commemorating the cathedral’s triumphant return.
Will William’s diplomatic foray succeed in tightening the bonds between these two nations, often described by world leaders as sharing a “special relationship”? Or, with Trump’s rather idiosyncratic flattery of William’s looks, could this mark the inception of an unlikely friendship?