The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square has been lit up in a festive ceremony that traces its roots back to a king who loved Britain almost as much as the country he actually ruled.
The lights on the Norwegian spruce was set sparkling in a special ceremony on December 5th, continuing a tradition that goes back almost 80 years.
The tree has been given to the people of London since 1947 by the people of Norway, in thanks for their help during World War Two.
The 2024 switch on was attended by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Robert Rigby, as well as the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe and the British Ambassador to Norway Jan Thompson.
There was music from the Regent Hall Salvation Army Band and the Royal Marines Corps of Drum as well as the Silver Boys Choir.
Thousands of bulbs cover the tree which was cut down in November before being shipped across to London.
The tradition is thanks for their support during World War II. In April 1940, Germany invaded Norway and attempted to capture King Haakon VII, the royal family, and other members of the Norwegian government. The King of Norway then sought refuge in Lonon and led the resistance there. After Norway was liberated in 1945, the Norwegians returned home on the HMS Norfolk.
While the tree was first displayed in 1947, the tradition of giving Britain the tree started in 1943. Norweigan underground fighters gave the tree as a symbol of their gratitude. There were actually three trees – one for the Norwegian King, one for the Norweigan Embassy, and the other to go on display in Trafalgar Square. It was only after the war, in 1947, the sentiment took precedence, and the customs currently associated with it began.
The tree is typically a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 20 metres high, and about 50 to 60 years old. It is selected from the forests surrounding Oslo with great care, sometimes several years in advance. The Norwegian foresters who take care of the tree often describe it as “the queen of the forest.”
There have been some debates on social media – where else? – about whether the tree is as grand as famous Christmas displays in other cities around the world. The Norwegian tree has always been dressed only in sparkling lights and it remains a thank you from one country to a city for help in the most difficult of times.
It retains a special place in the hearts of many Londoners for whom the countdown to Christmas really only gets under way when the Trafalgar Square tree is in place.
