One of London’s most beloved holiday traditions is underway as a 20 metre tree makes its way to the heart of the city. And this special celebration has very royal origins.

Each year, Norway sends a tree to the United Kingdom at Christmas to be put up in Trafalgar Square. It is sent as a thank you for British support during the Second World War. 

In 1942, a Norwegian resistance fighter cut down a tree and it was sent to King Haakon VII who was living in exile in London. Since 1947, Norway has felled and sent a tree to the United Kingdom. They typically send a Norwegian Spruce. 

The Mayor of Westminster, Robert Rigby, joined the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, for the traditional felling ceremony. 

In a new development, the tree will travel part of its journey by electric vehicle to make the tradition more sustainable. A replacement tree has also been planted in Oslo for the first time. 

The 20m tall tree will be put up in Trafalgar Square and is going to be decorated with LED bulbs that are energy efficient. 

The official tree lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday 5 December. The tree will remain up and lit until the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas.