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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Christmas tree arrives in Trafalgar Square | Christmas tree arrives in Trafalgar Square |
| (3 months later) | |
| The spruce is given to Britain every year by Norway | The spruce is given to Britain every year by Norway |
| In accordance with annual tradition, a Norwegian Christmas tree has arrived in Trafalgar Square. | In accordance with annual tradition, a Norwegian Christmas tree has arrived in Trafalgar Square. |
| This year's spruce tree, which is given by Norway to Britain annually, stands at 68ft (21m) tall. | This year's spruce tree, which is given by Norway to Britain annually, stands at 68ft (21m) tall. |
| It will be decorated with lights later, but they will not be turned on until a ceremony on Thursday evening. | It will be decorated with lights later, but they will not be turned on until a ceremony on Thursday evening. |
| This year marks the 75th anniversary of a spruce tree sent from Norway being erected in the famous central London square. | This year marks the 75th anniversary of a spruce tree sent from Norway being erected in the famous central London square. |
| Since 1947, a Christmas tree has been sent by Norway every year to thank Britain for its support during World War II. | Since 1947, a Christmas tree has been sent by Norway every year to thank Britain for its support during World War II. |
| King Haakon VII sent the first tree as a token of his gratitude after he was forced to flee Norway and seek sanctuary in Britain when Nazi Germany invaded his homeland. | King Haakon VII sent the first tree as a token of his gratitude after he was forced to flee Norway and seek sanctuary in Britain when Nazi Germany invaded his homeland. |
| The Norwegian tree is on its way up! 🌲 #TrafalgarSquare @BBCLondonNews @BBCRadioLondon pic.twitter.com/NKxWMi6kXU | The Norwegian tree is on its way up! 🌲 #TrafalgarSquare @BBCLondonNews @BBCRadioLondon pic.twitter.com/NKxWMi6kXU |
| The tree has not always inspired excitement among Londoners, however. | The tree has not always inspired excitement among Londoners, however. |
| The spruce that arrived in 2019 received criticism for looking "anaemic" and "droopy". | The spruce that arrived in 2019 received criticism for looking "anaemic" and "droopy". |
| The tree is a symbol of Norwegian gratitude to Britain | The tree is a symbol of Norwegian gratitude to Britain |
| The appearance of the tree was defended by the British ambassador to Norway, the appropriately named Richard Wood, who pointed out: "This is what 90-year-old, 25m trees in the wild look like. | The appearance of the tree was defended by the British ambassador to Norway, the appropriately named Richard Wood, who pointed out: "This is what 90-year-old, 25m trees in the wild look like. |
| "It is important to consider the symbolism of the tree rather than simply how many branches it has." | "It is important to consider the symbolism of the tree rather than simply how many branches it has." |
| The latest tree will be on display in Trafalgar Square until 6 January, when it will be taken down and shredded for compost. | The latest tree will be on display in Trafalgar Square until 6 January, when it will be taken down and shredded for compost. |
| Related Topics | |
| Christmas | |
| Christmas trees | |
| London | |
| Norway |