The Royal Life Guards (Den Kongelige Livgarde) is an infantry
regiment of the Danish Army, founded in 1658 by King Frederik III. It serves
in two roles: as a front line combat unit, and as a guard/ceremonial unit
to the Danish monarchy.
The Royal Life Guards provide a permanent guard at the Amalienborg
Palace, Kastellet (part of the old fortification of Copenhagen), Rosenborg
Castle/garrison of the Royal Life Guards in Copenhagen and the garrison
of Høvelte.
On occasions guard is kept at Fredensborg Palace, Marselisborg
Palace, Gråsten Palace, Christiansborg Palace and other locations
inside the Danish realm.
The ordinary uniform of the Royal Life 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 or blue tunic; blue trousers;
and a bearskin with the regiment's cap badge (the Sun and Royal Coat of
Arms); together with the symbolic infantry sabre,
which is part of the spoils from the First Schleswig War 18481850
and originally a French infantry sabre. During his time in the Danish forces,
Crown Prince Frederik served a tour in the Royal Life Guards with the rank
of Sergeant.
The regiment itself has three battalions:
1st Battalion (I Bataljon) Founded 1658. Armoured Infantry Battalion,
part of 2nd Brigade.
2nd Battalion (II Bataljon) Founded 1867. Armoured Infantry Battalion,
part of 2nd Brigade.
3rd Battalion (III Bataljon) Founded 1923. Training Battalion.