Two French Republican Guards collapse during ceremony at the Élysée Palace

A welcoming ceremony for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini at the Élysée Palace was interrupted on Wednesday evening after two members of the Republican Guard suffered medical episodes. The first incident occurred as the Slovak president arrived, when a guard lost his balance and fell against a pillar, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to turn toward him before the soldier was evacuated. Shortly thereafter, while the two presidents were exchanging greetings, a second guard collapsed in the courtyard. He was assisted into the palace by staff members. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of these incidents or the current health status of the two soldiers.