Sir Nils inspects the Norwegian Guard credit: AFP PHOTO / MOD / CROWN COPYRIGHT 2016 / Mark Owens

Already a knight, the famous penguin has now been given the new title of Brigadier Sir Nils Olav.

King penguin Nils Olav receives a Knighthood from the Norwegian King's Guard during a ceremony at Edinburgh zoo credit: REUTERS/David Moir

The honour was bestowed upon the animal during a ceremony attended by more than 50 Norwegian soldiers from the unit.

The troops are taking part in this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Barbara Smith, acting chief executive for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 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."

During the ceremony, Sir Nils paraded along the zoo's penguin walk, while inspecting the soldiers of the guard.

Uniformed soldiers of the King of Norway's Guard parade for inspection by their mascot, king penguin Nils Olav, who was awarded a knighthood in 2008, at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, as they announce the penguin's promotion and new title of Brigadier Sir Nils Olav credit: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Brigadier David Allfrey, producer and chief executive of the tattoo, added: "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."