French guards collapse during Slovak president's visit to Elysee
Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 12 Nov, 16:03 · Archive
Two members of France's elite Republican Guard collapsed during Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's arrival at the Elysee Palace as Emmanuel Macron looked on.
Two members of France's elite Republican Guard collapsed almost simultaneously outside the Elysee Palace in Paris during Slovak President Peter Pellegrini's arrival on Wednesday, with President Emmanuel Macron present at the ceremony.
Video footage shows one guard staggering before lowering his sword and collapsing, striking his head against a pillar behind him. Macron and several palace staff members immediately rushed towards the fallen guard, and security personnel carried him away from the scene. Seconds later, a sword was heard clattering to the ground, prompting a startled reaction from the French President. A second guard was then seen staggering away while being supported by several men.
After the guards were assisted, Macron greeted Pellegrini and proceeded to enter the palace residence. According to a presidential source, both guards were members of the elite Republican Guard, and the collapses occurred almost simultaneously.
The condition of the guards and the reasons for their collapse remain unknown. The incident was captured on video, which subsequently circulated on social media, prompting public concern for the guards' wellbeing. One observer noted the guard fell hard and expressed worry about a potential head injury, while another commented on the fact he appeared to be wearing a helmet.
How it is being reported
- French President watches in shock as guard suddenly collapsesDuring Slovak President Peter Pellegrini’s arrival at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday, November 11, a member of the French honour guard suddenly collapsed. French President Emmanuel Macron and palace staff immediately rushed to assist before the guard was carried away, after which Macron proceeded to greet Pellegrini.New York Post · 12 Nov, 14:43
- Two French guards collapse as Macron welcomes Slovak presidentTwo members of France's elite Republican Guard collapsed almost simultaneously outside the Elysee Palace as President Emmanuel Macron welcomed his Slovak counterpart, according to televised images and a presidential source.France 24 · 12 Nov, 11:39
- Bizarre moment TWO guards collapse beside Emmanuel Macron as he welcomes Slovak president to Elysee PalaceVideo footage shows a guard staggering, lowering his sword and then collapsing, hitting his head against the pillar behind him.Daily Mail · 12 Nov, 09:45
- French guard collapses as Macron rushes to helpA member of the French honour guard collapsed during Slovak President Peter Pellegrini’s arrival at the Elysee Palace.Al Jazeera · 12 Nov, 05:11
In this story: Emmanuel Macron · Peter Pellegrini · Elysee Palace · France · Slovakia
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
Comments (0)