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After a decades-long military career which has seen him rise to the rank of Colonel-in-Chief, Nils Olav has learnt to take promotion in his stride.
But when he waddles out to inspect his troops at a special parade at the city's zoo he is expected to pick up a knighthood.
Members of the Norwegian King's Guard visit to the zoo to honour the distinguished bird every few years when they are in the city for the military tattoo.
The practice dates back to the early 1970s when a young lieutenant called Nils Egelien came up with the idea of having one of its king penguins as a regimental mascot and honorary member.
Over the years the bird has achieved repeated promotions and has been decorated for his long service.
But now the loyal penguin is in line to receive a title, with the personal approval of Norway's King Harald V.
Although guardsmen are remaining tight-lipped about what the latest gong will be, rumours of a knighthood are rife.
The latest promotion will be bestowed at a special parade in which Nils will be invited to inspect a guard of honour and receive a fanfare from buglers.
Captain Rune Wiik, who is taking part in the ceremony, said that on previous visits the unlikely Commander-in-Chief seemed to be well aware of his exalted position.
"I think he remembers the uniform and I think he likes the ceremonial aspects," he said.
But the penguin being honoured today is not the original Nils Olav.
He died in the 1980s and was replaced by a two-year-old penguin at the Zoo.
Darren McGarry, animal collection manager at Edinburgh Zoo, added: "We're all very excited about his new promotion and we've all been wondering what it could be."
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