A 49-year-old man was arrested after launching an unprovoked attack on a palace guard on Wednesday night.  

The incident took place shortly after 8pm in the Place du Palais in Monaco, according to Monaco Matin.

The man, who is known to Monaco police, allegedly elbowed the carabinier (guard) and kicked him in the genitals in front of stunned onlookers.

The man was swiftly subdued by palace guards and held on the ground until he was arrested by police.

The 49-year-old reportedly suffers from schizophrenia and was already known to the Monegasque police services for having attacked a police officer.

He was admitted to the psychiatric department of the Princesse Grace Hospital Center.

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Main photo: The attack took place in the Place du Palais, in front of the Prince’s Palace. Photo by Monaco Life.