The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has arrived in central London, but social media users are already saying it's looking a little worse for wear – after last year's fir was labeled 'worn out'.
The tree was felled in Norway at the end of November, as is traditional, and has now been shipped across the sea to be placed at one of the capital's most iconic tourist sites.
The 20-meter-tall tree grew in Nordmarka, the forests just north of Oslo, ahead of the lighting ceremony on December 7.
Since 1947, a tree from Norway has been donated every year in recognition of Britain's support during the Second World War.
The gift began when Norway was invaded in 1940 and the King of Norway took refuge in Britain and established the Norwegian government in exile.
The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square looked rather flat after the long journey from Norway
The 20 meter tall tree looked beautiful when it was felled at the end of November
After photos emerged showing the tree being felled, sharp-eyed fans were quick to point out that they hoped it was better than last year's offering.
The 2022 tree was widely mocked by Londoners on social media after looking rather scrawny and worn.
One person joked: 'Based on the photos of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree that was felled in Norway last week and arrived today, it was carried as hand luggage on Ryanair.'
Another person wrote: 'Okay, tell me, who swapped the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree for a Wish Christmas tree halfway through the trip?'
This year's tree is already looking a bit ragged, with one side appearing flat and brown after the long journey.
Social media users were quick to make jokes. Norway had only delivered 'half of the tree'.
'That's only half of the tree. Explains the recession in Norway,” one user joked. A second added: 'Where's the other half?'
The construction is carried out by a specialized lifting team, which will also loosen the branches, and a crane.
The tree will be decorated in the traditional Norwegian way with vertical strings and lights.
Patricia McAllister, Mayor of Westminster, joined British Ambassador Jan Thompson for the official tree felling ceremony in Norway.
It was organized by Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, who was seen sawing the firn.
It comes as a 40-foot Christmas tree was erected at the Houses of Parliament to mark the start of the Christmas season.
Since the Second World War, Norway has sent a tree in recognition of British aid
Workers could be seen trying to straighten the branches of the tree once it was erected
But images showed it has already lost some of its green color, with 21 days to go until the big day
After some care by workers who straightened the branches, the tree looked much more festive this year
The Sitka spruce was selected from the Kielder Forest, Northumberland, and will stand at the foot of Big Ben.
King Haakon VII of Norway made popular broadcasts to his country via the BBC during his exile during World War II.
Aware that he would likely be found and apprehended by the Nazis after the invasion of neutral Norway in April 1940, he slept in his uniform, fearing that they might publish humiliating photos of him in pajamas.
Denmark capitulated just six hours after Hitler's troops crossed the border. Otherwise we would risk even more bloodshed and almost certain defeat. But Haakon and his government were determined that Norway would not collaborate with the Nazis.
His broadcasts from Britain reminded Norwegians to maintain their values and his moral fortitude cheered them on, just as he was cheered by the resistance of most of the Norwegian people.
Instead of saying “if we win the war,” he talked about the day he would “come home.” Loyalty to their constitutional monarch was at the heart of the Norwegian resistance.