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The Royal Life Guard | |
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Den Kongelige Livgarde | |
Active | 30 June 1658 – present (366 years, 3 months) |
Country | Danish Realm |
Branch | Royal Danish Army |
Type | Foot Guards |
Role | 1st Battalion – Mechanized infantry 2nd Battalion – Training Guards Company – Public Duties |
Size | Three battalions & one company |
Part of | Army Staff |
Garrison/HQ | Høvelte Rosenborg Castle |
Nickname(s) | Livgarden, Garden |
Motto(s) | Pro Rege et Grege (For King and People) |
Engagements | Northern Wars Scanian War Great Northern War Royal Life Guards' Mutiny Napoleonic Wars First War of Schleswig Second War of Schleswig Operation Weserübung War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Post-invasion Iraq, 2003–2011 Operation Inherent Resolve Resolute Support Mission |
Website | Official website |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Colonel Mads Rahbek |
Chief of the Guard Company | Major H. C. Rørvang |
Notable commanders | Duke William of Württemberg Christian X of Denmark Alexander III of Russia |
Insignia | |
Cap Badge of the Royal Danish Guard | |
Regimental belt | |
Colours |
The Royal Life Guards (Danish : Den Kongelige Livgarde) is a mechanized infantry regiment of the Danish Army, founded in 1658 by King Frederik III. The primary task is to provide a number of soldiers from the Guard Company to serve as a guard/ceremonial unit to the Danish monarchy, while training the Royal Guards for various functions in the mobilisation force. [1] Until its disbandment, the Royal Horse Guards (Danish : Livgarden til Hest), served the role as the mounted guard/ceremonial unit, afterwards the role was taken over by Guard Hussar Regiment Mounted Squadron. During the time period 1684–1867, the Royal Life Guards were called The Royal Foot Guard (Danish : Den Kongelige Livgarde til Fods), in order to distinguish between the regiment and the Royal Horse Guards. [2]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2024) |
The Royal Life Guards were established by Frederik III of Denmark on 30 June 1658, the guards were both to protect Frederik and to be a combat troop regiment.
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2024) |
The Royal Life Guards serve as a front-line unit and as a guard/ceremonial unit as well to the Danish monarchy.
The regiment consists of two infantry battalions, the Guard Company and the Musical Corps:
Hans kongelige Majestæts Livregiment | His Royal Majesty's Life Regiment | 1658 | – | 1684 |
Vor Garde til Fods | Our Guard on Foot | 1684 | – | 1763 |
Den kongelige Livgarde til Fods | Royal Life Guard on Foot | 1763 | – | 1867 |
Livgarden | Life Guard | 1867 | – | 1961 |
Den kongelige Livgarde | Royal Life Guard | 1961 | – | present |
In some militaries, foot guards are senior infantry regiments. Foot guards are commonly responsible for guarding royal families or other state leaders, and they also often perform ceremonial duties accordingly, but at the same time are combat soldiers.
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