Prince Christian's New Role in Danish Royal Guard Amid Drug Scandal
Prince Christian of Denmark, aged 20, will assume the position of squad leader (Zugführer) in the Royal Life Guard at the Høvelte barracks near Birkerød beginning in August 2026. He is expected to oversee the basic training of about 30 conscripts, which includes shooting, field exercises, marching and first‑aid training.
A recent report from the Danish military prosecutor’s office (Auditørkorpset) recorded a series of drug and alcohol incidents within the unit. On 4 November 2025 three conscripts were found using two grams of cocaine together while on exercise, employing a service sword to conceal the activity; each was fined 9,000 Danish kroner (≈ €1,200). Earlier in 2025 a conscript appeared heavily intoxicated on guard duty and was unable to perform his tasks, and another brandished a sword to smash a champagne bottle, mishandling his weapon; both were fined 2,500 kroner (≈ €335). The report also referenced a TV‑2 documentary that featured alleged cocaine use by guards.
In addition to the disciplinary issues, the Høvelte barracks have been criticised for poor building conditions, including mold, structural decay and leaking roofs. An evaluation suggested that roughly one in four buildings should be demolished. Prince Christian completed his officer training in June and was promoted to lieutenant, adding further public attention to his upcoming command.
Entities: Danish military prosecutor (Auditørkorpset) · Høvelte barracks · King Frederik of Denmark · Prince Christian of Denmark · Royal Life Guard
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A conscript in early 2025 appeared heavily intoxicated on guard duty and was unable to perform his tasks. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Høvelte barracks have structural problems, including mold and dilapidated buildings, with a report recommending demolition of roughly one quarter of the structures. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] On 4 November 2025 three conscripts used two grams of cocaine together during an exercise, each receiving a fine of 9,000 Danish kroner. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prince Christian, 20, will become a squad leader (Zugführer) in the Royal Life Guard at Høvelte barracks starting August 2026. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prince Christian completed his officer training in June and was promoted to lieutenant. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Another conscript smashed a champagne bottle with a sword and misplaced his weapon, receiving a fine of 2,500 Danish kroner. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A Danish military prosecutor’s report documented drug and alcohol incidents within the Royal Life Guard unit. (All three articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] He will train about 30 conscripts during basic training at the barracks. (All three articles)