Close-up of an honor guard at the entrance of the administrative building of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria in Sofia, Bulgaria
The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria is a unique Bulgarian military formation of regimental size, directly subordinated to the Minister of Defence. The unit is purely ceremonial, as the security of the President of Bulgaria, members of the government, of the Parliament and foreign dignitaries on official visits is provided by the National Close Protection Service (НСО). While it is considered by law to be a part of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria, it is outside of the jurisdiction of the Defence Staff. The National Guard performs the ritual "Ceremonial changing of the honor guard of the Presidency" for the first time on 5 November 2003 and every hour changes guard at the administrative building of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Guard also ensures the security of civil, military and industrial sites in Sofia. The scarlet hussar style uniform of the Guards was established in 1883 and includes elements of national symbolism. Throughout political changes, uniform details such as the eagle feather on the cap and the Alexander star have been retained. The Alexander star was originally a feature of the Bulgarian royal order "St. Alexander".
Size: 3840px × 5760px
Location: President of Bulgaria, Bulvar Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2, Sofia, Bulgaria, Balkans, Europe
Photo credit: © DE ROCKER / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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