Prince William is making his first trip to Paris since his mother Princess Diana’s death 20 years ago in the French capital. Accompanied by Kate Middleton, this marks the royal’s first official visit to Paris in two decades, and their first official visit as a couple.
After attending a St. Patrick’s Day parade in London, the couple jetted off the City of Lights, where they met with French president François Hollande at the Élysée Palace.
Then, they met with UK ambassador to France Edward Llewellyn and wife Anne Llewellyn, who led the couple to a reception at the British Embassy.
Other activities on their schedule include visiting to Les Invalides (Napoleon’s resting place), stopping by the Musée D’Orsay and meeting victims and first hand responders from the Bataclan and Nice terrorist attacks. Aside from other future state dinners, the couple is also slated to attend the Wales vs France Six Nations rugby match at the Stade du France, according to USA Today. Their two children Prince George, 3, and Princess Charlotte, 1, unfortunately won’t be around this time.
William’s Parisian tour comes at a major milestone in his life, marking 20 years since his mother’s passing. (Princess Diana tragically died in a car accident in the French city in August 1997 at the age of 36.) This year, celebrations and commemorative events will take place in memory of the late royal, including the Diana Award, a fashion exhibition featuring her iconic wardrobe and a gala hosted by her brother Earl Spencer. A statue of the princess will also be installed in the Kensington Palace public gardens.
By Harper’s Bazaar