The Royal Life Guards () is a mechanized infantry regiment of the Royal 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. Until its disbandment, the Royal Horse Guards (), 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 (), in order to distinguish between the regiment and the Royal Horse Guards.
History
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.
Role
The Royal Lifeguards serve as a front-line unit and as a protective guard ceremonial unit to the Danish monarchy. They are the security regiment for the Danish Royal family and their personal estates. They play a role in international peacekeeping due to Denmark's involvement with NATO. The regiment can be deployed internationally for peacekeeping efforts.
Organisation The regiment consists of two infantry battalions, the Guard Company and the Musical Corps: 1st Battalion – Founded 1658. Mechanized Infantry Battalion, part of 1st Brigade. Plus Ultra (Even further) Staff Company (STKMP/I/LG) 1st Armored Infantry Company (Army's Flank company ) (1/I/LG) 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company (2/I/LG) 4th Mechanized Infantry Company (4/I/LG)(inactive) 2nd Battalion – Founded 1867. Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Vincere Volumus (We'll be victorious) Staff Company (STKMP/II/LG)(inactive) 1st Mechanized Infantry Company (1/II/LG) 2nd Basic Training Company (2/II/LG) 3rd Basic Training Company (3/II/LG) Royal Guard Company () - Founded 1659. Ceremonial/guard unit. Royal Life Guard Music Band () - Founded 1658. Musical unit.
Disbanded units 3rd Battalion – Founded 1923, Disbanded 2018. Infantry (basic training) Battalion. (Mechanized Infantry Battalion 2000-2004) 4th Battalion – Founded 1961, Disbanded 2005. Infantry Battalion. 5th Battalion – Founded 2001, Disbanded 2005. Infantry Battalion. (Merged in from 3rd Btn/Danish Life Regiment, only as reserve) 6th Battalion – Founded 2001, Disbanded 2005. Infantry Battalion. (Merged in from 4th Btn/Danish Life Regiment, only as reserve) 7th Battalion – Founded 2001, Disbanded 2005. Infantry Battalion. (Merged in from 4th Btn/Zealand Life Regiment, only as reserve)
Names of the regiment Names His Royal Majesty's Life Regiment 1658 – 1684 Our Guard on Foot 1684 – 1763 Royal Life Guard on Foot 1763 – 1867 Life Guard 1867 – 1961 Royal Life Guard 1961 – present
Alliances – The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) – Bond of Friendship – Bundeswehr
Image gallery
See also Guard Hussar Regiment (Denmark) Guard Hussar Regiment Mounted Squadron Royal Horse Guards (Denmark)
References
Further reading
External links
Official Site Den Kongelige Livgardes Musikkorps