The Department of Security

The security of the Royal Family is provided by the Royal Guard and the Personal Protection Service of the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST). The Security Department is responsible for the safety of the staff at the Royal Court and for security measures related to the royal properties. Necessary measures are assessed based on the use of the properties, their symbolic value, and their historical importance.

The Security Department is led by Chief of Security Lars Ivar Frøystad.

Perimeter security around the Palace and other royal properties has been an important project led by the Security Department. Dynamic bollards are part of this. Photo: Liv Osmundsen, The Royal Court.

Reception and Security

In earlier times, pages served as the personal attendant and guard of a person of rank; now they serve as Palace wards who always receive and see off the members of the Royal Family when they pass through the main gate of the Palace. They also receive all guests who enter the Palace, either via the main gate or through the reception area.

The section is responsible for the Palace's security control center, which is staffed around the clock, every day of the year. They manage all alarm systems and oversee the area around the Palace in collaboration with His Majesty the King's Guard.

The Guard and Reception section also operates the Palace's switchboard and manages the courier service, which is carried out by the orderlies – guards from His Majesty the King's Guard. Several orderlies are assigned to the section at all times.

The section is also responsible for ensuring that the correct flag flies over the Palace roof.

The Transport Section

The chauffeurs’ most important duties are to drive the members of the Royal Family on official and private occasions, and to maintain and oversee the Palace’s fleet of vehicles. The Section also lend cars to Court employees who need them in the performance of their official duties. 

The chauffeurs establish time schedules and driving routes, and are responsible for ensuring that members of the Royal Family arrive at their destinations on time. They work closely with the Personal Protection Service, and all have expertise in emergency driving.

The vehicle fleet is comprised of work vehicles and official and private cars. It has been decided to convert the fleet of vehicles from fossil-fueled cars to electric vehicles or hybrid solutions, as far as is practically possible.

A1 - a Buick Roadmaster from 1939. Foto: The Royal Court

The vehicle fleet also includes five historical cars – the oldest from 1939. There is great interest in them, and the cars have been exhibited on several occasions. On very special occasions, one or more of them are used – such as during the formal opening of the Parliament and major events like royal weddings.