Den Kongelige Livgarde

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Den Kongelige Livgarde
Image:Den kongelige livgarde.jpg
Insignia of the Royal Guards
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
Ceremonial Changing of the Guard of Den Kongelige Livgarde in Copenhagen
Ceremonial Changing of the Guard of Den Kongelige Livgarde in Copenhagen

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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