Christmas tree speech at Trafalgar Square

Lord Mayor of Westminster, Deputy Mayor of Oslo, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Every year, for 61 years, a Christmas tree from Norway has been erected here at Trafalgar Square. The tree is a token of everlasting gratitude.

Gratitude for your help and support during those 5 trying years, the Second World War, when Norway was under foreign occupation.
When our King and our Government was given refuge here.
When dignity and civilization reposed here.
When we were waiting for the lights to go on again, all over the world.

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to be present at this very special Norwegian-British pre-Christmas event.
To express and confirm the strong bonds of warm friendship between us.

The tree is given by the City of Oslo to the people of London and the whole British nation.
And that is why I will now ask the Deputy Mayor of Oslo, Ms. Aud Kvalbein, to light the Christmas tree.

I wish you all a truly merry Christmas.

Thank you.