Knighted penguin waddles up the ranks of Norway’s Royal Guard

In a Norwegian tradition that has spanned a century, a penguin living at the Edinburgh zoo has been named brigadier, a promotion for the bird, but a slight demotion considering he is a King penguin.

The zoo posted a video to its Facebook page showing Brigadier Sir Nils Olov waddling gracefully along his new troops, inspecting them along the way, to receive his new insignia and take his position.

“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,” said cheif executive of the Royal Zooligical Society of Scotland, Barbara Smith.

"It is a very proud moment and represents the close collaboration between our two countries, Scotland and Norway,” Smith added.

It is not Olov’s first time brushing wings with important military figures. In 2008, he was knighted by the King of Norway.

Norwegian Brigadier David Allfrey said he thinks the tradition is by far the most charming of all the military ceremonies.

"At the tattoo we, of course, have many inspecting officers but this is by far my favourite,” he told the Telegraph. “Congratulations, Brigadier Olav.”

While the new Brigadier couldn’t find a pair of fatigues that fit him, he did dress for the occasion, showing up in his tuxedo.