Lit the Christmas tree in London

A large audience had gathered to see the traditional lighting of the tree, and to hear three different mayors speak. Lord Mayor of Westminster Christabel Flight, Lord Mayor of London Fiona Woolf and Mayor of Oslo Marianne Borgen all participated in the tree-lighting ceremony led by the Princess. The ceremony was accompanied Christmas songs and music. This is the 69th consecutive year in which a Christmas tree from the forests around Oslo will illuminate Trafalgar Square in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Some 500 lights have been used to decorate the tree.

Long-established custom

The city of Oslo has sent a towering Christmas tree to London every year since 1947, as thanks for
Britain’s support during the Second World War. The inscription at the base of the tree reads:

This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-45.

This year’s tree was felled near Ødegården farm in the Østmarka forest in Oslo on 18 November. Mayor Marianne Borgen took part in the felling together with Lady Christabel Flight, among others. The British Ambassador to Norway and pupils from Nøklevann school and Oslo International School were also present.