The 60th Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square was lit on Thursday 7 December by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway together with her children HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Marius Borg Høiby.
The ceremony, watched by nearly 10,000 spectators, included carols sung by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields and renowned Norwegian boys choir Sølvguttene (Boys of Silver), and was also attended by HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, the Mayor of Oslo and the Lord Mayor of Westminster.
In her speech the Crown Princess said the tree symbolised the close ties between Norway and the UK. "The first Christmas tree was given as a token of gratitude for Britain’s help and hospitality during the second world war. During the years of war, the people of Britain received with open arms the many Norwegians who escaped across the sea. As we have carried this special relationship into a new century, we celebrate a friendship with deep roots like this old and dignified tree."
The Crown Princess also took the opportunity to highlight those who enter this festive month without any expectations. “We should remember all the people in the world who do not have the opportunities they deserve, who suffer from poverty and violence. Even in our own societies far too many struggle. It is important to remember that we as human beings have more in common than what differentiates us. We all have dreams and aspirations. We all want our children to be safe and healthy. All of us can bring light into the lives of people around us, to our friends and family, and to people we know suffer, maybe especially at this time of year. People that might benefit from our support, compassion and respect," she said.
The tree itself, a 100-year-old Norwegian spruce (Picea abies), was chosen with great care from the forests surrounding Oslo. It is normally earmarked for its pride of place in London’s Trafalgar Square several months, even years, in advance. The Norwegian foresters who look after it describe it fondly as 'the queen of the forest'.
The first tree was brought over to London in 1947 as a token of Norwegian appreciation of British friendship during the Second World War. When Norway was invaded by German forces in 1940, King Haakon VII escaped to Britain and a Norwegian exile government was set up in London. To most Norwegians, London came to represent the spirit of freedom during those years. From London, the latest war news was broadcast in Norwegian, along with a message and information network which became vital to the resistance movement and which gave the people in Norway inspiration and hope of liberation.
Marius Borg Høiby, HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra and HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit switch on the lights on the Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.
Photo: Thomas Aastad / Royal Norwegian Embassy
HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra, HRH Crown Prince Haakon, Marius Borg Høiby and HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit listen to the Lord Mayor of Westminster's speech during the ceremony at Trafalgar Square which was watched by thousands of spectators.
Photo: Thomas Aastad / Royal Norwegian Embassy