Two Republican Guards Collapse During Elysee Palace Ceremony
Two French Republican Guard members collapsed nearly simultaneously on Wednesday while President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Slovak President Peter Pellegrini outside the Elysee Palace in Paris, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Television footage showed one guard swaying before falling to the ground and striking a pillar, causing his ceremonial sword to clatter onto the pavement.
Macron and several presidential aides immediately rushed toward the fallen guard to check on his condition, as detailed by JournalArta. The French newspaper Le Parisien reported that a second guard fainted shortly afterward, though that second collapse was not captured by broadcast cameras.
A French presidential source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that both guards received immediate medical attention.
“Keduanya segera mendapatkan penanganan dan kondisinya baik-baik saja,” said the unnamed French presidential source, according to detikNews.
Ceremonial Demands on French Military Police
The Republican Guard operates under the gendarmerie, France’s military police force, fulfilling duties that include government institution security and state protocol. Protocol requires guardsmen to stand in rigid postures for extended periods while wearing heavy ceremonial attire and holding upright swords.
Social media commentary on the broadcast footage noted the physical toll of such static formations. Observers pointed out that standing upright with locked knees can restrict blood circulation and lead to fainting.
Questions about the Republican Guards fainting incidents
What caused the Republican Guards to collapse?
French presidential sources did not specify the exact medical cause for the fainting incidents. However, the guards must maintain rigid postures while wearing heavy ceremonial uniforms during state visits.
Did the state visit continue after the incident?
Yes. Macron briefly checked on the first fallen guard before continuing the welcoming procession for President Peter Pellegrini at the Elysee Palace.
What is the current condition of the two guards?
An anonymous French presidential source confirmed that both guards received immediate medical treatment and are in good condition.
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