French Guards Collapse During Slovak President's Official Visit
Two French Republican Guard members fainted during a ceremonial welcome for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Two members of the elite Republican Guard collapsed during a ceremonial welcome for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday. Video footage captured one guard swaying and falling against a pillar, causing his ceremonial sword to drop, while a second guard collapsed off-camera shortly after.
President Emmanuel Macron and several aides immediately rushed to assist the guards before they were carried away for treatment. A presidential source told Agence France-Presse that both guards suffered fainting attacks and confirmed that both were treated and are fine. The Republican Guard, a unit of the French Gendarmerie, is required to stand for extended periods in heavy ceremonial dress, a factor that often contributes to such incidents.
Following the incident, Macron and Pellegrini proceeded with their official meeting. The two leaders discussed energy security, nuclear cooperation, child safety online, and peace in Ukraine.
