Major General Nils Olav becomes world's highest ranking penguin with latest promotion

The most famous and highest-ranking king penguin in the world has been promoted again by members of the Norwegian armed forces.

His Majesty the King's Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway visited Edinburgh Zoo to "promote" their regimental mascot Sir Nils Olav the penguin to his new rank of major general.

Sir Nils Olav is named after Major Nils Egelien – and now outranks him – and the former King of Norway, King Olav V.

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The penguin had previously held the rank of brigadier and, since his adoption in 1972, Sir Nils has worked his way up the ranks.

After beginning as a mascot, he was first promoted to corporal in 1982, sergeant in 1987, regimental sergeant major in 1993, honourable regimental sergeant major in 2001, colonel-in-chief in 2005, and got a knighthood in 2008.

The regal, black, white, and yellow bird is the mascot of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard, as well as their colonel-in-chief.

The guardsmen were already in Scotland to perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2023 and took the opportunity to visit Sir Nils during their visit.

He was promoted in the presence of 120 guardsmen.