Persian Realm

Elysée Palace Republican Guard had to be helped to his feet after fainting while on duty during a gala dinner hosted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni in honor of the Emir of Qatar and his equally stunning wife. It made onlookers wonder if it was the sight of the glamorous First Lady which made the guard go weak at the knees. And who could blame him?

The former supermodel, a Grecian goddess in a strapless yale blue dress, cut a stunning figure as shegreeted Sheik Hamad Bin Jassem Al Thani of Qatar and his wife Mozah bint NasserAl-Missned for a dinner in their honour. An elegant Carla kept her look simple but added a touch of sparkle with a dazzling diamond necklace.

NOTE ON PHOTOCOMPOSITION: President Sarkozy was Obviously Not Laughing his head off at the incident as mischievously suggested by my photocomposition. ;0)

See Related News:

Bowled over! So was it the sight of stunning Carla Bruni make this Republican guard go weak at the knees? (Mail Online)

History of the French Republican Guard (Sorry just in French):

(NOTE: In recent years Women have had the opportunity to become Republican guards as testified in this report)

Défilé de la Garde Républicaine (French Republican Guard march):

Republican Guards Parading on the Champs Elysée on the 14th of July- Bastille Day:

About the Republican Guard:

The Republican Guard (French: Garde républicaine) is part of the French Gendarmerie. It is responsible for providing security in the Paris area and for providing guards of honor.

Its missions include:

• Guarding important public buildings in Paris such as the Élysée Palace, the residence of the Prime Minister of France, Hôtel Matignon, the Senate, theNational Assembly, the Hall of Justice, and keeping public order in Paris.
• Honor and security services for the highest national personalities and important foreign guests;
• Support of other law enforcement forces (with intervention groups, or horseback patrols);
• Staffing horseback patrol stations, particularly for the forests of the Île-de-France region;
• Transporting and escorting urgent organ transplants.

The close physical protection of the President of France is entrusted to the GSPR (Groupe de Sécurité de la Présidence de la République), and the SPHP (Service de Protection des Hautes Personalités), neither are part of the Guard.

The Republican Guard also fulfills an important diplomatic role, representing France at international events abroad and receiving important dignitaries at home. Controversially, they will frequently accept other honors from regiments of allied countries, but they will usually award their own honors, such as the famed spurs of the Republican Guard, only to royalty or to individuals of high standing. 

More Here: Republican Guard (France)

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