Royal Life Guards at Amalienborg Palace
I was impressed that the changing of the guard ceremony that occurs daily at noon at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, which includes a large complement of soldiers. The band entered under an arch and much drill an ceremony at platoon and squad levels took place to relieve guards at their posts. The Danish Royal Guard is composed of the Royal Life Guards regiment (Den Kongelige Livgarde), which operates as a front-line mechanized combat unit and carries out public ceremonial and guard duties to the Danish monarchy. Their elaborate uniforms include bearskin hats, dark blue tunics, and various badges. Cross-belts, period grenadier boxes, and swords are contrasted by modern assault rifles. Scarlet tunics are worn on special occasions.
The Royal Life Guards band
Guard units formed up in the palace courtyard
Royal Life Guard platoons face off during the changing of the guard
Guards officers salute as they pass under the palace arch, surprising a passerby
Royal guards meet eyes while presenting arms during the guard change ceremony
A squad approaches to relieve a guard. Note the soldier's grenadier pouches and the sentry box are both decorated with the royal monogram of Queen Margrethe II
The guards relieved, this squad returns to the larger formation
The Royal Life Guards put on a wonderful show that is always well attended by tourists enjoying Copenhagen. As mentioned, I was surprised by the scope of the daily ceremony, maintained by only one regiment that also has standard modern infantry duties. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, which is often less elaborate, is supported by five foot guard regiments while other guard duties are carried out by two horse regiments. The population of the U.K. is roughly 11 times that of Denmark. Both the Danish and British guards carry their standard rifles for ceremonial duties, avoiding the cost of keeping older weapons in service. The U.S. Army Old Guard, which attends the Tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery, carry long M-14s with wooden stocks, a better match for their full dress blues.
Another day, I came upon a solitary royal guard covering another aspect of the palace and keeping an eye on the royal Bentley.
A royal Bentley under guard
Pro Rege et Grege, "For the King and the People" is the motto of the Royal Life Guard and is inscribed on the regimental cap badge.
Did you see my other recent Scandinavian travel posts?
Denmark
Sweden
- Helsingborg - Swedish Port on the Øresund
- Swedish Ceramics Center and Food Hall
- Cattle on the Kulla and Hogs Downtown - Sweden
- Swedish Architecture
- Sailing in Southern Sweden
- Mölle Swedish Gem by the Sea
- Floating Maritime Museum in Gothenburg
- The Streets and Roofs of Gothenburg
- Viking Loot - Museum of Gothenburg
- Sweden's Second City with a Second Name
Norway & Svalbard
- A Fountain and Many Buildings in Oslo
- Oslo Photo Gallery Part 2
- Oslo Photo Gallery Part 1
- Risen Ships of the Norse - Oslo
- Winning the South Pole – Oslo
- Urban Iceberg - Oslo
- Svalbard - A Short Visit to Longyear Town
All of the content in my posts is original and the photos are Copyright © Nick Kraft.
I was traveling light. These images were taken with a small Samsung point-and-shoot camera or a smartphone!
Thank you!
Nick
Interesting that these guards are actually using M16s and not some historic rifle
Yes! I mention that above. The British use their bullpup assault rifle that looks even more out of place. Their only concession is a fore stock cover to protect their uniforms.
how many old this army?
What are you trying to say here?
This unit was formed in 1658. The Royal Danish Army was was founded around 30 years prior.
I work with a guy that told me a story about when he was young (probably going back 25 years). He was in London with his dad and was having a picture with a guard, and his dad told him to move closer because the guard ‘won’t bite’, however the guard whispered (jokingly) “yes I do”. Would this be frowned upon or something you could get in trouble for?
He might get in trouble for that but I think it's hilarious. There are several videos of British guards setting tourist straight for touching them, climbing on a palace fence, getting in the way, etc.
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Statism is so photogenic :)
Ain't it just? Haha. Shiny!
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it looks very similar to the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace @nkraft except the coats there are red and the trousers black. 😊
Yep! These guys wear red on state holidays just to confuse everybody. Thanks!
Appreciate you taking the time to create this; haven't seen the changing of the guards since I was a young kid on school outings in Denmark.
Glad to take you back, @denmarkguy! Thanks!
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Cool guys... I saw a similar outfit when i was lot younger, watching Tom and Jerry 😊😊
I never pictured them as tough. Do they have any military training like badass SWAT force?
Haha. Most soldiers who do ceremonial work like this are real soldiers. Royal Life Guards regiment are also mechanized infantry, many of whom served in Afghanistan.
Okay... That's better
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This post is nice, awesome. Reesteem.
Thank you, @duendeath!
@nkraft very well explain with images. if you get a chance to join this regiment what will you do??
I'm too lazy for a unit with both ceremonial and combat responsibilities! One of my roommates in the U.S. Army, years ago, had spent 3 years in the Old Guard in Washington D.C. He had to relearn normal drill and ceremony since the Guard has special ways of doing everything. Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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Thanks!
I love it, I would like to travel to that place. great story
I'm glad you love it! Thank you.
I've seen the changing of the guards in Copenhagen and thought it was incredible. So much less crowded than London and just as exciting. It's definitely not as traditional as other European cities, but just as stimulating :)
Hi Ania! After looking through my photos, I decided it was worth a dedicated post. Glad you enjoyed Copenhagen! Thanks.
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Great article. My husband is Danish and we visited this Palace a couple of years ago. Copenhagen is beautiful. Like and follow my articles. I write travel stuff as well. We are Australians relocated in Central America now. Digital nomads.