Hennes Majestet Dronningens Garde
Hennes Majestet Dronningens Garde (Her Majesty the Queen's Guard) is a royal guard regiment of the Royal Nordenic Army. The regiment has two primary roles: serving as the Queen’s bodyguards, tasked with protecting the royal residences, including the Royal Palace in Kalda, the royal estate at Bygdøy Konungsgård, and the Queen’s private residence at Skaugum, and acting as the main infantry unit responsible for the defense of Kalda. Hennes Majestet Dronningens Garde is stationed at Huseby Leir, located in Kalda, on the historic Nordre Huseby Gård (Northern Huseby farm), which was acquired by the Nordenland government in the late 19th century.
| Her Majesty the Queen's Guard | |
|---|---|
| Hennes Majestet Dronningens Garde | |
 Insignia of Hennes Majestet Dronningens Garde | |
| Active | 1856- Present |
| Country |  Nordenland |
| Allegiance |  Monarch of Nordenland |
| Branch |  Royal Nordenic Army |
| Type | Royal Guard |
| Role | Close-quarters battle Cold Weather Warfare Crowd Control Urban Warfare Close Protection Force Protection Military Tattoo Public Duties |
| Size | 1,600 |
| Nickname(s) | The Black Devils |
| Motto(s) | "Alt for Dronningen!" (Everything for the Queen!) |
| March | Gardemarsj (Guards' March) |
| Anniversaries | 10 April, 1 November |
| Engagements | |
| Website | Official website |
| Commanders | |
| Commander of the Guard | Colonel Eirik Jonsson Nygaard |
| Ceremonial Chief | Queen Helena III |
| Colonel-in-Chief | Major General Sir Nils Olav III |
History
The first dedicated Nordenland Royal Guard unit was a 38-man squadron of dispatch riders from the Akersborg Mounted Jäger Corps. Their main function was to serve as couriers between Kalda and Nidaros during the 19th century. By 1856, this role had become obsolete due to advancements in communication, prompting King Harald V to establish a new Nordenland infantry company to enhance royal security and reinforce his authority.
On 8 November 1856, the Royal Guards Company was officially formed from members of the Nordenland Corps of Jägers, primarily recruited from Stjørdal. The company was based in Kalda from its inception, focusing on both ceremonial and security duties while occasionally serving as a trial and training unit for the army.
In 1905, the company was expanded into a full battalion under King Haakon VII to meet the growing demands of royal security and national defense. During the Second World War, the battalion served with distinction during the Second World War. On 10 April 1940, they successfully thwarted the Wehrmacht’s attempt to capture the Royal Family and Cabinet at Midtskogen Gård, earning the unit its first battle honour. Later in the war, the Guard fought with distinction at Dovrefjell and Lundehøgda, near Litlihamarr, securing two additional honours. Their ferocity and distinctive dark uniforms earned them the nickname “de svarte djevlene” (the black devils) among German troops.
In August 2022, 30 Royal Guards were dismissed from the Nordenland Defense Force after a process that was said to involve drug testing; however, the Chief of the Royal Guard stated later in August that the hair samples were not analyzed due to a “technical failure.” Authorities earlier in August claimed that the test kits allegedly used were not considered reliable, and therefore the positive tests—the evidence—were not kept. The dismissed guards claim coercion was used, alleging they were told that “the case” would be included in their civilian police records. However, the Nordenland Defense Force adopted a new practice two years ago: drug-related cases are not referred to civilian police authorities.
The drug tests in 2022, conducted by taking hair samples, were carried out by corporals, without personnel from the military police’s “narcotics group” present. The guards were allegedly led to believe they would receive reduced punishment if they admitted to illegal drug use. One guard described the process as a bluff intended to elicit confessions. The chief of the armed forces’ “narcotics group” stated that drug tests could be conducted but, if performed against specific suspects, each test must be part of an individual criminal case.
As of 26 August, the Chief of Defense expressed satisfaction with the report he had received.
Organization
The HMDG is organized as a light infantry regiment consisting of seven companies:
| Regimental Staff | The Regimental Staff includes the commanding officer and their immediate staff. This consists of the deputy commander, chief of staff, personnel section, intelligence and security section, operations section, logistics section, ceremonial and guard section, communications section, finance section, leadership support section, and the Guard's media center. |
| Kp. 1 | A rifle/guard company with 180 guardsmen. The company is organized into a company staff and four rifle platoons. |
| Kp. 2 | A rifle/guard company with approximately 180 guardsmen. The company is organized into a company staff and four rifle platoons. |
| Kp. 3 | The Music, Signal, and Drill Company. The company includes a drill platoon and a music platoon, alongside its company staff. The music platoon consists of a janissary band and a signal corps. |
| Kp. 4 | A rifle/guard company with approximately 180 guardsmen. The company is organized into a company staff and four rifle platoons. |
| Kp. 5 | The Support and Logistics Company. This company includes maintenance platoons, communications platoons, staff support units, transport units, medical units, and an infantry support unit, alongside its company staff. |
| Kp. 6 | A rapid response company with 200 personnel, tasked with 24/7 readiness to respond to emergencies, such as terrorist attacks or major public disturbances. It includes specialized platoons for urban defense, crisis management, and counterterrorism. |
| Kp. 7 | A dedicated training company with 150 personnel, focuses on recruit training, advanced infantry drills, and preparing guardsmen for ceremonial and operational duties. |
Each of the rifle companies takes turns carrying out guard duty at the royal residences in between other duties. The majority of Guardsmen are National Servicemen who are posted to the regiment after their basic training. On arriving at the battalion from basic training, they spend their first five weeks in ceaseless drill practice, hand-to-hand fighting, physical training, close-range firing, and case-solving exercises before they are allowed to perform their first duties outside the Royal Palace in Kalda or around the Royal Family's country residence.
The Rapid Response Company serves as the permanent emergency response unit with a 72-hour emergency response time. While the specific mission of this unit remains classified, it was utilized during the 22 July attacks on Kalda in 2011 and the coordinated terrorist attacks across Europe in 2015.
The changing of the guard ceremony in front of The Palace takes place at 1330–1400 hours every day and is a popular event with tourists and the people of Kalda alike. In addition to performing guard duty, the Guards is also on parade whenever important state events take place in the capital. These include the annual opening of parliament by the Queen, visits by foreign heads of state, or anniversaries of major events in the history of the nation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Armed guards from Her Majesty the Queen's Guard are always on duty at the Royal Residence in Kalda, Skaugum Estate, and Huseby Leir. The Guard is also responsible for securing Bygdøy Royal Estate when it is in use.
The Guard's security operations around the royal residences are carried out in close cooperation with the Kalda Police District, Asker and Bærum Police District, and the Royal Police Escort Unit. Guards are equipped with weapons and live ammunition, forming an essential part of the security measures surrounding the royal family.
At the Royal Residence, armed guards perform their duties in the Guard’s ceremonial uniform. Security here is conducted with a high degree of military precision, including formations and drill marches, referred to in military terms as close-order drill. This aspect of the Guard’s duties draws significant attention from both tourists and locals. The Guard's main daily changeover ceremony, which takes place precisely at 13:30, is a popular tourist attraction. At Bygdøy Royal Estate, Skaugum Estate, and Huseby Leir, guard duty is performed as a purely military operation.
Despite the ceremonial uniforms, drill marches, and formations, the Royal Guard’s primary focus remains active security. Unlike other nations’ ceremonial guards, Nordenland's guards are allowed to move and speak with people while on duty. This practice enables them to monitor and respond to potential threats more effectively.
The primary responsibility for guarding duties falls on the operational guards in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Rifle Companies, with additional support provided by the 6th Rapid Response Company as needed.
The Guard previously also handled security at Akersborg Fortress, but this assignment ended on November 1, 2019.
The Guard’s Rapid Response Force
The Guard’s rapid response force is the standing emergency unit of Her Majesty the Queen’s Guard, based at Huseby Leir in Kalda. The force consists of over 150 guardsmen and is ready to reinforce security around the Guard’s protected sites or assist the police around the clock. The rapid response force uses armored MB field vehicles and Jotun trucks. Guardsmen wear bulletproof vests during critical missions. The response force can be equipped with various weapons depending on the type of mission. Personnel from the Guard have also been deployed for other tasks, including in international operations, but have not always had sufficient training for such missions.
The Capital Defense Mission
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As part of the capital’s defense, the Guard must be prepared to support the police in crisis situations such as natural disasters, major accidents, and terrorist attacks. The Guard’s role in the capital’s defense is primarily to serve as a military rapid response force in Kalda, working closely with the Home Guard. For the Guard, the most relevant task is to support the police with armed security at key sites in Kalda in the event of a crisis.
In Wartime
In a wartime situation, the Guard’s primary mission would be to protect the Queen and the royal family. Thus, the Guard serves as the Army’s infantry unit in Kalda and must be capable of conducting military operations independently.
The July 22, 2011 Terror Attack
Main article: 2011 Regjeringskvartalet Bombing
After the terror attack on the Regjeringskvartalet (Government Quarter) on July 22, it was the duty officer at the Royal Residence in Kalda who first raised the alarm internally within the Nordenland Defense Force. Minutes after the explosion, he ordered additional security measures around the Residence and called for reinforcements from Huseby Leir. Shortly afterward, the Royal Guard deployed machine guns at the Residence Square and considered using construction equipment to dig defensive positions there.
The 2015 European Coordinated Terrorist Attacks
Main article: 2015 Europe Coordinated Terrorist Attacks
During the 2015 Coordinated Terrorist Attacks across Europe, including one in Kalda, the Royal Guard was swift to respond. The duty officer immediately ordered heightened security at critical royal sites and collaborated with special forces to assist in pursuing ISIS members on the run. Rapid response units secured surrounding areas, while specialized teams participated in coordinated raids to capture the attackers. Simultaneously, the Guard worked closely with the Nordenland Police and Home Guard to reinforce defenses at key infrastructure across the capital.
Traditions
Uniform
The dark blue dress uniforms of the Royal Guard have remained virtually unchanged throughout the regiment's existence. One noteworthy detail of the uniform is the plumed bowler hat, which was inspired by the hat of the Italian Bersaglieri troops—a regiment that so impressed Nordenland’s Princess Astrid (the great-grandmother of Queen Helena III) that she insisted the Nordenland guards adopt a similar design in 1860. The regiment's cap badge is a rosette in the royal colors of Nordenland, with the monogram of the current monarch.
Mascot in Scotland
The regiment's official mascot is a king penguin named Nils Olav, a resident of Edinburgh Zoo. The first penguin was adopted during the regiment's first participation in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1961 and was given the rank of visekorporal (lance corporal). Nils Olav was promoted each time the Royal Guard returned to the Tattoo. In 1982, he was made a corporal and was promoted to sergeant in 1987. Nils Olav passed away shortly after his promotion to sergeant, and his place was taken by Nils Olav II, his two-year-old near-double. In 1993, he was promoted to the rank of regimental sergeant major. On 18 August 2005, he was promoted to Colonel-in-Chief.
Nils Olav was the first penguin to hold this rank in the Royal Nordenic Army. He was also awarded the Royal Nordenic Army's Long Service and Good Conduct medal on the same date.
The current mascot is Nils Olav III, who, on 15 August 2008, was knighted, and later, on 22 August 2016, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier at a ceremony outside the zoo's penguin enclosure. The ceremony was conducted by British Major General Euan Loudon, acting on behalf of King Frederick V, the father of Queen Helena III and the reigning monarch of Nordenland at the time. Reuters reported that a detachment of the Royal Guard, in full dress uniform, was reviewed by the penguin, who wore his new insignia on a badge strapped to one flipper.
Trivia
- A guard from the rifle companies has an average of 35–40 duty days.
- Guards on duty are not allowed to initiate conversations with the public but may answer non-critical questions.
- The maximum hair length for a guard is 6mm for areas not covered by the ceremonial hat, and "well-groomed" on top, but never over 2cm. This is especially strict in Company 3, where hair not covered by the ceremonial hat must be 0.5–1mm, and the maximum length is 9mm. Members of the band are allowed to have bangs, but they must not extend beyond the highest point of the head.
- Female guards can choose to cut their hair like male guards or wear it tied up in a band under or behind the ceremonial hat.
- At the Royal Palace, the signal Tappenstrek is played every evening at 21:45. This is an old tradition originating from the practice of signaling that beer taps were closing and soldiers needed to return home.
- The recruit training period at Terningmoen ends with the "cap run." Recruits are tested on everything they have learned during the period, and at the end of the run, they are awarded the Guard Cap.
- Gardisten is HMDG's own camp newspaper, published quarterly.
- The Guard’s mascot is the penguin Sir Nils Olav, who resides at Edinburgh Zoo. He holds the rank of brigadier.
Alliances
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United Kingdom - The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th and 33rd/76th Foot) (Bond of Friendship)