HRH Grand Duke Henri; Credit: Cour Grand-Ducale / Lola Velasco

Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg have publicly lamented the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Yesterday evening, news broke that a fire had begun at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in the French capital. The fire began at around 18:30 and quickly spread to the roof of the cathedral. The flames destroyed the building's wooden interior and caused the collapse of the spire. 

In light of this news, the Luxembourg monarchs have sent a telegram to French President Emmanuel Macron to express their shock and sadness at this incident, as well as expressing their support for efforts to save and subsequently rebuild the cathedral.

The telegram read: 

"Mr. President of the Republic, 

The images of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris burning our hearts last night. Today we want to salute the movement of mobilisation which is being born so that this high place of French civilisation shines again throughout the whole world. Our link with Notre Dame is stronger than ever."

In a similar vein, Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess have sent a telegram to the Archbishop of Paris and the Rector, Archpriest Patrick Chauvet:

"Monseigneur the Archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Patrick Chauvet, Rector-Archpriest of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris,
The images of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris burning have shocked us because of this unique link that unites us to the symbol of Christian and eternal France. We did not expect to relive the time of the construction of the cathedral. We will be wholeheartedly with you in this work of reconstruction so that comfort gives way to our immense sorrow."

The cause of the fire remains unknown.