CARDINAL GUARDS

French Guard Musketeers or Royal Musketeers (fr. Mousquetaires de la garde) is a French military unit that was formed as early as 1622, during the reign of Louis XIII of the Bourbon dynasty. Originally, it was a company of soldiers trained for both horse and foot combat, primarily using firearms. In the 17th century, the formation was distinguished by sumptuous uniforms, the main element of which was the so-called soubreveste, emphasizing their belonging to the king. It's worth mentioning that Mousquetaires de la garde were primarily the personal protection of the monarch during his travels and when he was outside his residences. It is worth adding that shortly after the creation of the Mousquetaires de la garde unit, a company of musketeers was established in the service of Cardinal Richelieu - but it was dissolved by his successor (Cardinal Mazarin) in 1646. It is worth adding that during the reign of Louis XIV (who ruled independently from 1661 to 1715), the service in Mousquetaires de la garde was considered a special honor and in fact only noble births served in it. In 1776, the single unit was dissolved in connection with the search for budget savings by Louis XVI.