Royal Danish Life Guards

The Danish Royal Guard
Den Kongelige Livgarde
Cap Badge of the Royal Danish Guard
Active	30 June 1658 – present (359 years)
Country	Kingdom of Denmark
Branch	Royal Danish Army
Type	Foot Guards
Role	1. Bataljon – Mechanized infantry 2. Bataljon – Mechanized infantry 3. Bataljon – Training
Size	Four battalions
Part of	Army Staff
Garrison/HQ	Høvelte Rosenborg Castle
Nickname(s)	Livgarden, Garden
Motto(s)	Pro Rege et Grege (For King and people)
Stable belt
Engagements	Northern Wars Scanian War Great Northern War Napoleonic Wars First War of Schleswig Second War of Schleswig Operation Weserübung War in Afghanistan (2001–2014) Post-invasion Iraq, 2003–2011 Operation Inherent Resolve Resolute Support Mission
Commanders
Colonel of the Regiment	Mads Rahbek
Chief of the Guard Company	Major S.P. Østergaard
Notable commanders	Duke William of Württemberg Christian X of Denmark Alexander III of Russia

The Royal Life Guards (Danish: 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. Until its disbandment, the Royal Horse Guards (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 (Den Kongelige Livgarde til Fods), in order to distinguish between the regiment and the Royal Horse Guards. During his time in the Danish forces, Crown Prince Frederik served a tour in the Royal Life Guards with the rank of Sergeant.

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 review order uniform of the Royal Life Guards, worn while they are on guard duty, consists of bearskin headdresses, dark blue tunics and light blue trousers with white stripes. The ceremonial uniform, worn on special state occasions, substitutes a scarlet tunic for the dark blue. The bearskin dates from 1803 and is decorated with the regiment's bronze cap badge (the Sun and Royal Coat of Arms). Symbolic infantry sabers are carried by the rank and file. These were part of the spoils from the First Schleswig War of 1848–1850 and were originally derived from a French infantry weapon.