Danish royal guards end decades-old boot-polishing tradition over health risks

The Danish royal guard’s long-standing practice of high-gloss boot polishing—a tradition known as gejling—has been halted due to new workplace safety regulations, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

For generations, guards in the Livgarden regiment meticulously polished their boots and sabre scabbards with a specialized shoe polish to achieve a mirror-like shine for ceremonial duties, including the king’s birthday parade. The tradition has now ended after authorities determined the polish emits potentially harmful fumes.

The decision follows an assessment of the product’s chemical composition under updated occupational health standards.