While it's doubtful how effective he would be in actual combat, a king penguin has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier by the King of Norway.

Already having made headlines after being knighted by the King, Sir Nils Olav received the honour at a special ceremony at RZSL Edinburgh Zoo on Tuesday, with a contingent of more than 50 members of His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard saluting the regal black, white and yellow bird.

Salute! Brigadier Sir Nils Olav inspects the troops. Credit:RZSS Edinburgh Zoo

Norway's practice of awarding honours to penguins dates back to 1972 when a king penguin at Edinburgh Zoo was named after two people including the then-King of Norway, King Olav.

The king penguin is the second bird to hold the titles and from now on will be known as "Brigadier Sir Nils Olav."