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Notre Dame fire: artworks to be sent to Louvre as donations pour in – live updates Notre Dame fire: artworks to be sent to Louvre as donations pour in – live updates
(32 minutes later)
In a message to the French president Emmanuel Macron, the Queen said she and Prince Philip were deeply saddened by the images of fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral. She said:
I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument. My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.
Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Read the full message here: https://t.co/wby58kXzv3
Prince Charles said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were “utterly heartbroken” by the fire, which he described as a “shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share”.
My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the terrible fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral this evening and wanted to let you know immediately how much we are thinking of yourself and the French people at this most agonising of times, and of the emergency services who are so bravely tackling the blaze.
I realise only too well what a truly special significance the Cathedral holds at the heart of your nation; but also for us all outside France it represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of Western Civilisation. It is a treasure for all mankind and, as such, to witness its destruction in this most dreadful conflagration is a shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share.
Cher Monsieur le President, our hearts go out to you and the people of France more than you can ever know, especially in view of our experience with the devastating fire at Windsor Castle 27 years ago.
We send you our most profound sympathy, however inadequate that may be.
Tres cordialement a vous.
The Prince of Wales has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral.Read HRH’s message in full:https://t.co/Pm9UGCobHj
Journalist Na Qing has been monitoring reaction to the fire in China. She reports that it has been receiving some significant coverage in a country that is the source of increasing numbers of visitors to Paris in recent years. But the story remains below the main headlines.
Reports in the Chinese language editions of People’s Daily, China Daily and Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN) have summarised events of the past 48 hours.
Responses from Chinese netizens using platforms such as Wechat have been mixed. Some have compared the fire to the burning of Yuan Mingyuan, the Summer palace of the Qing dynasty, which took place that happened in 1860 during conflict between European and Chinese forces.
Others, however, have been expressing deep sadness and described such comparisons as ‘narrow nationalism’.
According to statistics from Xie Cheng, one of the largest Chinese travel agencies, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the top three European tourism hotspots among Chinese visitors.
France is the most popular European destination for Chinese tourists, with around 900,000 flocking there in 2011, according to a report in 2012, a figure that was expected to quadruple in the next decade.
French readers have been getting in touch to share their reactions to the fire and thoughts about what might happen next.
Raïnat Aliloiffa, 26, in Paris, says the event is traumatic for all of France but has a hopeful message:
We still can’t believe it. Notre Dame is not only precious for Catholics but for all French people. It’s our cultural heritage. To see nine centuries of history burning like that is traumatic, but history shows that we have gone through a lot of dramas and as always we will get by. Notre Dame is French, but it belongs to the world – and together we will rebuild it.
Reader Maxime, 20, from Istres but studying at Paris-Sorbonne University, said:
It is impossible to fathom that the spire that had stood so high above the capital for what seemed like forever is now a smouldering pile of charred rubble amidst the choir, but I’m glad for everything that has been saved, from the priceless artworks to the historical relics, as well as the majestic stained glass roses.
I could not be more grateful to the firefighters who did everything they could to preserve the towers and the structure. I think the blaze helped me realise the truly massive scale and sheer size of the building, as well as the feats of craftsmanship that had to be accomplished during its construction, in the midst of the Dark Ages.
Camille, 30, also in Paris, references poet Jacques Prévert:
It has been a very difficult night. It is a terrible accident, but in a way, it is also a symbol of what we let happen to our culture, our heritage and our spirituality. History and culture are not just there to fuel the tourism industry, but should be kept at the centre of people’s lives and at the centre of the state investments. Prévert once said that “we recognised happiness by the noise it made as it left”. We can only hope that we can now recognise the importance of French culture by the noise it made as it went up in flames.
Junior interior minister Laurent Nuñes has been speaking to journalists. He said the primary preoccupation of the police and fire services was the security and safety of the building and identifying weaknesses in the structure.
“We have identified some vulnerabilities in the structure … notably in the vault and the north transept pinion that needs securing,” Nuñes said.
He added this work would take 48 hours and residents of five buildings around the north transept were being evacuated.
Nuñes again praised the actions of the Paris fire service, who had battled “not just outside but inside the building at great risk to their own lives”. There had been 500 firefighters at the scene after the fire broke out who were replaced by another 500 at around midnight, he said.
“They saved the edifice, but it all came down to 15-30 minutes,” he added.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez says firefighters risked their lives to save Notre-Dame cathedral.Get live updates as the fire is fully extinguished https://t.co/whyPRRjuVc pic.twitter.com/ph3YCUaz0d
The culture minister, Franck Riester, added that the religious relics saved from the cathedral, including the Crown of Thorns and Saint Louis’s tune, were being held in security at the Hôtel de Ville and the rest of the works of art inside – which had suffered smoke damage – were being taken to the Louvre where they would be dried out, restored and stored.
He added the three beautiful stained-glass “rose” windows did not appear to be damaged but would be examined more closely when the cathedral had been made safe.
Architects have identified “three main holes” in the structure, that of the spire, the transept and the vault of the north transept.
Julien Le Bras, from the scaffolding company involved in the renovation of Notre Dame, gave an emotional statement to journalists. He said his company had worked on a number of historic buildings in France including the Louvre.
He said none of the workers involved in the restoration of the cathedral were at the site when the fire broke out.
“It is with unqualified sadness I am speaking. The police investigation is taking place and our workers will help answer questions with no reserve whatsoever to throw light on the cause of this drama. At the moment the fire started none of the workers of my company was present at the site. All security and fire requirements were respected.”
The Pope has tweeted saying he is “united in prayer” with the people of France.The Pope has tweeted saying he is “united in prayer” with the people of France.
Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDameToday we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDame
Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has reminded people that his own city of Gdansk was 90% destroyed in the second world war only to be completely rebuilt.Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has reminded people that his own city of Gdansk was 90% destroyed in the second world war only to be completely rebuilt.
I’d like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdańsk, 90% destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral!From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.#NotreDameI’d like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdańsk, 90% destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral!From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.#NotreDame
The British ambassador to France, Ed Llewellyn, has tweeted a tribute to “the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night, and whose efforts have preserved the cathedral’s main structure from the inferno”.The British ambassador to France, Ed Llewellyn, has tweeted a tribute to “the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night, and whose efforts have preserved the cathedral’s main structure from the inferno”.
This morning I went the Elysée Palace to deliver messages to President Macron from Her Majesty The Queen and The Prince of Wales following last night’s terrible fire at Notre Dame Cathedral @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/7h7yBijTKYThis morning I went the Elysée Palace to deliver messages to President Macron from Her Majesty The Queen and The Prince of Wales following last night’s terrible fire at Notre Dame Cathedral @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/7h7yBijTKY
A huge tribute this morning to the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night - and whose efforts have preserved the Cathedral’s main structure from the inferno pic.twitter.com/53ImcwXkKLA huge tribute this morning to the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night - and whose efforts have preserved the Cathedral’s main structure from the inferno pic.twitter.com/53ImcwXkKL
The structure of Notre Dame is still “sound” while large paintings inside the cathedral are believed to have sustained some smoke damage but are largely intact, a press conference addressed by government officials has just been told. The structure of Notre Dame is still “sound” while large paintings inside the cathedral are believed to have sustained some smoke damage but are largely intact, government officials have told a press conference.
Ministers from the culture and interior ministry paid tribute to the courage of more than 500 fire fighters from Paris and surrounding regions who braved dangerous conditions to battle the blaze. Ministers from the culture and interior ministry paid tribute to the courage of hundreds of firefighters from Paris and surrounding regions who braved dangerous conditions to tackle the blaze.
Specialists from France’s culture ministry are now working alongside fire fighters while particular emphasis is being placed on the north of the building. Specialists from France’s culture ministry are working alongside firefighters, paying close attention to the north of the building.
The paintings are likely to be removed to the Louvre on Friday.The paintings are likely to be removed to the Louvre on Friday.
The Notre Dame blaze has stirred memories in the English city of York, where the cathedral of York minster was badly damaged 35 years ago. The Notre Dame blaze has stirred memories in the English city of York, where the cathedral of York Minster was badly damaged 35 years ago.
“York Minster has lost three of its four medieval wood roofs to fire,” said Professor of History of Art, Tim Ayers, at the University of York’s Department of History of Art. “York Minster has lost three of its four medieval wood roofs to fire,” said Prof Tim Ayers, from the University of York’s department of art history.
“It remains to be seen how well the Notre Dame vaults have done their job, but preliminary pictures suggest that they have survived, at least in part, protecting the interior.”“It remains to be seen how well the Notre Dame vaults have done their job, but preliminary pictures suggest that they have survived, at least in part, protecting the interior.”
His colleague, Dr Jez Wells, from the University of York’s Department of Music, said: “I remember when first working as a recording engineer, capturing chant in Notre Dame Cathedral and noting its incredible reverberation. The building’s reverberation, its own response to sounds made within it, is so strong and rich that it really seemed as if the ghosts of its past were coming out of the walls and singing along. His colleague, Dr Jez Wells, from the department of music, said: “I remember when first working as a recording engineer, capturing chant in Notre Dame Cathedral and noting its incredible reverberation. The building’s reverberation, its own response to sounds made within it, is so strong and rich that it really seemed as if the ghosts of its past were coming out of the walls and singing along.
“It was a light bulb moment in my appreciation and grasp of sound and recording. The fire damage to the roof of the building means that it >> can no longer make those same responses to sound that it has been making for over 800 years, which is tragic indeed. “It was a light bulb moment in my appreciation and grasp of sound and recording. The fire damage to the roof of the building means that it can no longer make those same responses to sound that it has been making for over 800 years, which is tragic indeed.
“Sound reverberation could be considered a niche topic, but when you listen to the sounds that Notre Dame makes, you realise the power in its audible rendition of space, geometry, fabric and time. “Sound reverberation could be considered a niche topic, but when you listen to the sounds that Notre Dame makes, you realise the power in its audible rendition of space, geometry, fabric and time.”
There’s no shortage of conspiracy theories about the cause of the fire doing the rounds on social media, but one was very quickly and effectively shut down during an interview on Fox News.There’s no shortage of conspiracy theories about the cause of the fire doing the rounds on social media, but one was very quickly and effectively shut down during an interview on Fox News.
The interviewee is Philippe Karsenty, the deputy mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine and a long-term right wing activist, who opened up by referring to churches being desecrated every week across France. Philippe Karsenty, the deputy mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine and a long-time rightwing activist, began by referring to churches being desecrated every week across France.
Fox New anchor Shep Smith quickly stepped in when Karsenty goes on to say of the Notre Dame fire: “Of course, you will hear the story about political correctness which will tell you it was probably an accident. He then said of the Notre Dame fire: “Of course, you will hear the story about political correctness which will tell you it was probably an accident.”
Smith tells him: “Sir, we are not going to speculate here about the cause of something you don’t know. If you have observations or you know something we would love to hear it.” But the Fox News anchor Shep Smith interupted, telling him: “Sir, we are not going to speculate here about the cause of something you don’t know. If you have observations or you know something we would love to hear it.”
As Karsenty speaks again to say that people need “to be ready,” Smith tells him: “No sir, we are not doing that here. Not on my watch. Karsenty then said people needed “to be ready”, and Smith told him: “No sir, we are not doing that here. Not on my watch.”
Karsenty was convicted of defamation in 2013 for accusing a state television network of staging a video that depicted a Palestinian boy being killed in a firefight between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.Karsenty was convicted of defamation in 2013 for accusing a state television network of staging a video that depicted a Palestinian boy being killed in a firefight between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.
The Queen has sent a message to the President of France, saying she was “deeply saddened to see the images of the fire which has engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral” and extending her “sincere admiration to the emergency services” The Queen has sent a message to President Macron, saying she was “deeply saddened to see the images of the fire which has engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral”.
“I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument,” said a statement posted on the British royal family’s website and Facebook. “I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument,” she said a statement posted on the British royal family’s website and Facebook.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.” “My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.”
It’s been almost 27 years since Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences, was wrecked by fire. A £36.5 million repair project involving 1,500 building workers saw the 14th-century building reopen in 1997. It’s been almost 27 years since Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences, was wrecked by fire. After a £36.5m repair job involving 1,500 workers the 14th-century building reopened in 1997.
Police are interviewing workers from the companies involved in the renovation of the cathedral to establish the cause of fire, according to the Paris public prosecutor, Rémy Heitz.Police are interviewing workers from the companies involved in the renovation of the cathedral to establish the cause of fire, according to the Paris public prosecutor, Rémy Heitz.
The Guardian’s Kim Willsher tweets some updates:The Guardian’s Kim Willsher tweets some updates:
Heitz added that first alarm raised at 18h20 but no fire found. Second alert at 18h43 fire discovered. In meantime, those inside #NotreDame where mass taking place evacuated. Says investigation will be "long and complex" and 50 police officers on the case. 2/2Heitz added that first alarm raised at 18h20 but no fire found. Second alert at 18h43 fire discovered. In meantime, those inside #NotreDame where mass taking place evacuated. Says investigation will be "long and complex" and 50 police officers on the case. 2/2
MPs are warning that the Palace of Westminster is at critical risk of a fire that could prove as devastating as the blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral unless rapid action is taken to update parliament’s crumbling interior.MPs are warning that the Palace of Westminster is at critical risk of a fire that could prove as devastating as the blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral unless rapid action is taken to update parliament’s crumbling interior.
A multibillion-pound programme of restoration and renewal is to start in the mid-2020s after MPs and peers voted last year to move out of the building in order to allow the vital work to be carried out. A multibillion-pound programme of restoration and renewal is to start in the mid-2020s after MPs and peers voted last year to move out of the building for the work to be carried out.
Fire safety teams constantly patrol the neo-gothic Palace of Westminster, which caught fire 40 times between 2008 and 2012 alone; the small fires were quickly put out by wardens. Fire safety teams constantly patrol the neo-Gothic building, which caught fire 40 times between 2008 and 2012; the small fires being quickly put out by wardens.
In 2016, the Guardian reported that a malfunctioning light on an obscure part of the roof caused an electrical fire that could have spread rapidly, had it not been detected. In 2016, the Guardian reported that a malfunctioning light on an obscure part of the roof caused an electrical fire that could have spread rapidly had it not been detected.
‘A tale of decay’: the Houses of Parliament are falling down‘A tale of decay’: the Houses of Parliament are falling down
The grand imam of Egypt’s highest Islamic institution, al-Azhar, has been expressing his sadness in three different languages on Twitter.
“Our hearts go out to our brothers in France, they deserve our full support,” said Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sunni Islam’s highest authority, who tweeted the same message in Arabic and French.
Al-Azhar Grand Imam: I feel so sorry for the massive fire at the historical architectural masterpiece "Notre Dame Cathedral" in Paris, our hearts go out to our brothers in France, they deserve our full support.#NotreDame#Paris#France pic.twitter.com/CLNMR1KVTG
The former Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, has compared his feelings about the fire to the way he felt when the the Buddhas of Bamyan were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
Notre-Dame, a world monument, a French sentiment, went through the pain of fire last night. I felt as sad as when the Buddhas of Bamyan were destroyed. pic.twitter.com/FEsFCwjYuV
Cyril Petit, a journalist at Le Journal du Dimanche, has compiled this extraordinary mosaic of the international press reaction to the fire:
Notre-Dame de Paris : 91 unes de journaux en France et dans le monde. #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/AM39ODjH4n
The United Nations’ Paris-based cultural agency UNESCO has also promised to stand “at France’s side” to restore the site, which it declared a world heritage site in 1991.
“We are already in contact with experts and ready to dispatch an urgent mission to evaluate the damage, save what can be saved and start elaborating measures for the short- and medium-term,” UNESCO’s secretary general Audrey Azoulay said in a statement Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Australia’s prime minister has scotched the idea of having a government-backed Australian fund for people who want to help rebuild the cathedral, effectively saying the French can pay for it themselves.
“I’m sure that President Macron is able to deal with this as is the Catholic Church and, if individual Australians want to do something, well, it’s a free country - they can do whatever they like,” Scott Morrison said in comments that some Australians found jarring.
A national collection has been launched this morning by the Foundation for French Heritage. Here’s the link.
Funding is already coming in from other sources. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, who was at the scene on Monday evening, promised an immediate fundraising campaign would be launched as well as an appeal to international experts to help rebuild Notre Dame.
Two of the country’s richest tycoons pledged millions to the fund. François Pinault, the head of Kering, which owns fashion labels including Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Gucci, pledged €100m from his family’s fortune.
Shortly afterwards, Bernard Arnault, the owner of the group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy declared he would donate €200m.
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, called for a “donors’ conference”, not only to raise money for the reconstruction but to involve experts from around the world.
The Vatican has has issued a statement through its spokesperson:
The Holy See has heard with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame, symbol of Christianity in France and in the world.
We express our closeness to French Catholics and the people of Paris. We assure our prayers for the firemen and all those who are doing everything possible to deal with this dramatic situation.
Italy’s own cathedrals have faced their own challenges, not least when it comes to funding for conservation.
The last major incident was a massive fire at the Chapel of the Holy Shroud in Turin in 1997.
While the cause was never established the building was only reopened in September last year following extensive restoration and reconstruction.
At Notre Dame, under occasional showers of light rain, firefighters were this morning examining the building’s facade, walking across the tops of the bell-towers and along high viewing points favoured by tourists.
Several officers could be seen on one of the highest points of the north belfry inspecting damage. The esplanade in front of the cathedral, usually thronging with crowds with selfie-sticks was deserted, cordoned off by police.
The empty esplanade was scattered with flecks of black ash. Doctors from the neighbouring hospital came out in white coats to watch the scene.
“It’s saved but who knows the full extent of damage?” worried an elderly woman, making her way through closed-off side-streets to a hospital appointment.
Official confirmation that the fire was now out came through about an hour ago from the authorities.
Gabriel Plus, spokesman for the Paris fire services, told journalists:
“Throughout the night our work consisted of keeping an eye on the residue so the fire didn’t reignite and overseeing the structure of the building to make sure it didn’t collapse. We had to ensure the towers were not touched and this is the case,” Plus said.
“We are satisfied and grateful that in risking their lives they (firefighters) safeguarded the structure of the two belfries the towers - and the works of art. Now, I can confirm the fire is completely out.”
After a horrendous night, some more good news this morning. Notre Dame’s organ, among the world’s most famous and biggest, remains intact.
Paris’ deputy mayor, Emmanuel Gregoire, also told the French 24-hour news channel BFMTV that a plan to protect Notre Dame’s treasures had been successfully activated.
The organ dates to the 1730s and was constructed by Francois Thierry. It boasts an estimated 8,000 pipes.
Gregoire also described “enormous relief” at the salvaging of pieces such as the purported Crown of Christ. The organ had been the focus of concern for many:
The Cavaillé-Coll #organ in #NotreDame was dedicated in 1868. With more than 8.000 pipes and five manuals a truly magnificent instrument. Let's hope this treasure is not lost forever. #NotreDame #OrganMusic pic.twitter.com/og5men20yG
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the aftermath of the catastrophic fire that ripped through Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday night. Here is what we know:
After a more than 12-hour battle involving 400 firefighters, the blaze was fully extinguished on Tuesday morning. The cathedral’s two 69-metre bell towers remain intact, but the spire and roof have been lost.
The cause of the fire is not clear, but officials think it was an accident, possibly as a result of restoration work taking place, an investigation has been opened.
Fire officers saved a number of treasures inside the cathedral, including religious relics and smaller works of art. But the fate of some key artefacts is not known.
As well as damage from the heat, experts also need to assess damage from the vast quantities of water firefighters poured into the cathedral.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to rebuild the cathedral, which he called “a part of us”, and appealed for help to do so.
Two of the country’s richest tycoons – François Pinault and Bernard Arnault – have pledged millions to the restoration fund.
We will keep you up to date with the latest news developments from our reporters on the ground, as well as reaction and expert analysis. In the meantime here is our latest news wrap, and a potted history of the cathedral.