MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
Extraordinary moment ‘knighted’ King Penguin inspects Royal Norwegian Guards at Edinburgh Zoo
Sir Nils Olav, the mascot of His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guard, conducts an adorable inspection
HE'S got the happiest feet in the Royal Norwegian Guard.
Edinburgh Zoo's King Penguin Sir Nils Olav inspected the Scandanavian's army with the official ceremony, celebrating the penguin's own promotion, captured in adorable images.
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Sir Nils was a colonel in the army but has since been given the title of Brigadier as well as being a knight.
The penguin was given his new title at a special ceremony with the new knight waddling his way up and down the Guard as part of the ceremony.
Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer and Chief Executive of The Royla Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: "This is just a simply fantastic example of the great relations between our two countries, and it couldn't be a more charming tradition.
"At the Tattoo we of course have many inspecting officers but this is by far my favourite. Congratulations, Brigadier Olav!"
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Barbara Smith, Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said: "We are honoured to host His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard as they bestow a prestigious new title upon our king penguin, Sir Nils Olav.
"It is a very proud moment and represents the close collaboration between our two countries, Scotland and Norway."
Nils Olav was named after the Guard's lieutenant in the Guard, named Nils Egelin, when he was adopted in 1972.
His last name came from Norway's king at the time, Olav V.
RZSS Edinburgh Zoo has had a long history with penguins and Norway with the zoo long been a pioneer of the science and care of penguins.
The current Nils Olav is the third penguin to bear the title and has already surpassed his predecessors in rankings.
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The prestigious title was awarded during a special ceremony which was attended by over 50 uniformed soldiers of His Majesty the King of Norways Guard, who are taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year.
The Guardsmen visit Sir Nils every few years while they are in the city to perform for the Tattoo.
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