Londoners have mocked the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree as it was installed in place in central London on Monday.
Officials have said the spruce needs time to unfurl after being transported hundreds of miles from Norway’s Nordmarka Forest last week before appearing at its full “majestic” height of 66ft.
But some have not missed their chance to mock the tree’s appearance, with one writing online: “Going to take a lot of fluffing to hide all those dead branches. Just saying.”
Another added: “It’s here. Well half of it anyway,” while a third said: “Hopefully it looks better when up."
But the tree’s official account on X hit back at any criticism, saying: “Guess who’s back?
“Now, before the haters start commenting on my branches, I have had 10 days of beauty sleep - who wouldn’t look a bit flat after that kind of travel, but don’t fret; it’ll fluff up and shine just in time for my big moment.”
The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Robert Rigby, who helped fell the tree in Oslo added that it "may look slightly flat at first" but that it would "unfurl" and look "majestic".
The sentiment was echoed by other Londoners, one of whom said: “That's a beautiful representation of friendship. What an outstanding tree.”
Another added it was a “reminder of mutual respect between countries. Grateful to see the tree every year.”
The annual Christmas tree tradition began in 1947 as an expression of gratitude for the support Norway received from the UK during World War II.
When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway, Haakon VII, took refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London.
Energy efficient Christmas lights will be draped around the tree before a switching on ceremony on December 5.
It will stand in pride of place until January 6, after which it will be recycled and used as mulch in gardens around the city.
The tree was felled in a ceremony last month by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo, who planted a new tree in the forest.
This will then be felled in around 60 years time to make a new Christmas tree.
The tree was this year transported from Oslo to Brevik by electric truck, with diesel replacing with biodiesel in some of the machines and trucks.
