King Harald has given an audience at the Royal Palace on the occasion of this year’s presentation of “The Royal Guard`s Watch” and “Brigadier Leif Schanche’s Honour”. The chief of the Norwegian royal guards, Lieutenant Colonel Trond Forbregd, presented the awards to the guards in the presence of the King on June 18th 2021.
Soldier Unnar L. Hauksson from Sogndal received The Royal Guard`s Watch because of his service and conduct in general and for his ability to set a good example for his colleagues. Soldier in the 5th Guard Company, Jauksson has shown an extremely good attitude and acquired a high level of skills in the service. The citation for the award states that Hauksson appears fearless and has shown courage and care by making demands on himself, his fellow soldiers and his commander. He is originally from Iceland, but grew up on Moi. Now he lives in Sogndal in Western Norway.
The chief of the royal guard also presented Brigadier Leif Schanche’s honor, in form of a sword, to Sergeant of First Class, Åsbjørn Holmen Grønbech from Oslo. During his time in the second Guard Company, Grønbech has emerged as a skilled troop sergeant, with exemplary attitudes and behaviour. This has significantly contributed to unity in the royal guard and motivated both conscripts and employees at a time marked by restrictions as a result of the pandemic, the citation states. Sergeant Grønbech is constantly noticed due to his professional attitude and his initiative for the benefit of the department and the guards.
Normally, the honours for the royal guard are handed out during the King’s annual inspection and military parade by His Majesty the King’s Guard, but due to the corona pandemic, the inspection has also been postponed this year until further notice.
