Penguin to become Honorary Member of the Norwegian Royal Guard
The flightless bird, with Scandinavian name and Scottish birth, inspected the troops
Nils Olav inspecting the troops. Photo: ritemail-amazing.blogspot.com
Nils Olav, Edinburgh Zoo famous king penguin, was knighted and bestowed highest honours as member of the Norwegian King’s Guard on August 16th.
A Norwegian Guard regiment visiting Scotland did the honours for the appointment, approved by the current King of Norway, then the web-footed bird got to greet the King’s guard and took his time inspecting the troops.
Of course, the penguin was wearing strict uniform; actually he was born in uniform.
Forty years in the position
The whole story dates back to the 70s, when young Norwegian lieutenant Nils Egelien visited the zoo in Edinburgh and adopted a penguin for the Norwegian King’s Guard: Olaf V
That penguin died twenty years ago, and his substitute is Nils Olav, who has been promoted in the military rank up to colonel-in-chief and now, Knight, he even got his own bronze statue.
A fifty-year tradition
In Scotland, there are a few Norwegian soldiers who take the opportunity to visit the flightless bird when marching at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival which takes place every summer (this is the 50th edition) set against the magnificent backdrop of the Edinburgh Castle.
The parade, with its stirring sight and sound of the massed pipes and drums from the Scottish regiments, is the most famous and most appealing part of the shows that make up the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
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Nils Olav inspecting the troops. Photo: ritemail-amazing.blogspot.com
