The key facts

  • Two guards fainted one after another during the welcome ceremony at the entrance to the Élysée Palace
  • Macron personally rushed to help the first one who fell
  • Presidential office: vasovagal faint, no injuries, both are fine

Incident at an official ceremony

During the official visit of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini to the Élysée Palace two guards of the honor guard lost consciousness next to Emmanuel Macron, BFMTV television reported (citing Anadolu). Footage by Slovak television captured the first guard losing his balance, lowering his sword and falling; Macron and several bystanders immediately rushed to his aid.

Second case and the presidential office's explanation

While Macron was greeting Pellegrini at the palace entrance, a second guard reportedly collapsed — he was then escorted away by Élysée Palace staff. The following day, the office of the French president explained that both had suffered a vasovagal faint and were given immediate assistance: “They have no injuries and are feeling well.” A vasovagal faint is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure; it is not related to injury, which is consistent with the statement that those affected are in full good health.