World

Guard collapses as French President receives Slovak President (video)

By Linda Ikeji 12 November 2026, 12:20 pm

A member of the national guard of honour collapsed during a ceremonial welcome at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

This happened moments before Slovak President Peter Pellegrini was received by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, as Pellegrini arrived at the French presidential residence for an official visit.

Video shows the guard, who was part of the ceremonial security team, suddenly collapsing while standing at his post during the arrival ceremony.

Macron and members of his delegation were seen approaching the fallen guard after noticing the incident.

Staff members subsequently stepped in and carried him away as officials attended to the situation.

Macron later proceeded to welcome Pellegrini.

The guard's condition and the circumstances surrounding his collapse were not immediately known.

See video of the incident below.

HONOUR GUARD COLLAPSES AS SLOVAK PRESIDENT ARRIVES AT ÉLYSÉE PALACE A member of the honour guard collapsed on Wednesday as Slovak President Peter Pellegrini arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron and staff members rushed to assist the guard, who was later carried away by staff. Macron then proceeded to greet Pellegrini. The guard’s condition and the cause of the collapse remain unknown.
— Subodh Kumar (@kumarsubodh_) November 11, 2026