Den Kongelige Livgarde
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Den Kongelige Livgarde | |
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Insignia of the Royal Guards |
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Active | 1658- |
Country | Denmark |
Branch | Army |
Type | Foot Guards |
Role | Mechanized Infantry (one battalion) Training (two battalions) |
Size | Three battalions |
Part of | Hærens Operative Kommando |
Garrison/HQ | I. Bataljon - Høvelte II. Bataljon - Høvelte IV. Bataljon - Høvelte |
Motto | Pro Rege et Grege (For King and People) |
Engagements | Northern Wars Scanian War Great Northern War Napoleonic Wars First War of Schleswig Second War of Schleswig German Occupation of Denmark • Battle of Denmark Operation Enduring Freedom 2003 Invasion of Iraq |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Colonel Lasse Harkjær |
Ceremonial chief | HM The Queen |
Den Kongelige Livgarde (The Royal Guards) is an infantry regiment of the Royal Danish Army, formed in 1658. It serves a dual role as both a front line combat unit, and as a guard/ceremonial unit in regard to the Danish monarchy. The regiment was founded by King Frederik III and was charged with both being an infantry regiment and as a guard for the Danish Monarch. The Royal Guards provide a permanent guard at the Amalienborg Palace, Kastellet (part of the old fortification of Copenhagen), Rosenborg Castle/garrison of the Royal Guards in Copenhagen and the garrison of Høvelte. On occasions guard is kept at Fredensborg Palace, Marselisborg Palace, Gråsten Palace, Christiansborg Palace (seat of the Danish parliament = Folketinget) and other locations inside the Danish realm.
The ordinary uniform of the Royal Guards while they are on guard duty is dark blue. Their full dress uniform is very similar to that of the Foot Guards regiments of the British Army: a scarlet tunic; blue trousers; and a bearskin with the regiment's cap badge (the Sun and Royal Coat of Arms); together with the symbolic gardersabel (Guards sabre), which is part of the spoils from the First Schleswig War 1848-1850 and originally a French infantry sabre. During his time in the Danish forces, Crown Prince Frederik served a tour in the Royal Guards with the rank of Sergeant.
The regiment itself has two battalions:
- 1st Battalion (I Bataljon) - Founded 1658. Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade
- 2nd Battalion (II Bataljon) - Founded 1867. Training Battalion, 2nd Brigade
- 4th Battalion (IV Bataljon) - Training Battalion, 2nd Brigade
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