Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is felled in Norway

Organisers described the spruce as “one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees” representing “friendship between cities and countries, peace, and solidarity.”

It will be decorated with energy-efficient lightbulbs, hanging vertically in traditional Norwegian fashion.

The British ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson, said: “It isn’t Christmas in the UK until the Trafalgar Square tree arrives.”

She added that the tree had “brought joy to generations of Londoners”, and said: “For many people visiting London it is as essential to see the Norwegian tree as to go Christmas shopping in Oxford Street or catch a show in the West End.”