Macron's Ceremony Disrupted by Collapsing Guards in Paris

During an official welcome ceremony for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Elysee Palace in Paris, two members of France's elite Republican Guard collapsed almost simultaneously. The incident occurred late Wednesday as French President Emmanuel Macron was receiving Pellegrini.

Television footage captured one guard swaying before falling against a pillar, causing his ceremonial sword to drop. Macron and several aides rushed to assist the fallen guard, while another guard reportedly collapsed off camera.

According to Le Parisien, both guards experienced fainting attacks. A French presidential source, who requested anonymity, stated that both guards were swiftly taken care of and that everything was fine, adding that no further comments would be made.

The Republican Guard, part of the French Gendarmerie, is tasked with ceremonial duties and honor guards during official state functions, often requiring members to stand for long periods in heavy uniforms.