Trafalgar Square Christmas tree labelled ‘anaemic’ and ‘thin’

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has arrived in London, but some people are concerned it is looking a little thinner than usual.

Pictures show the branches of the 21-metre Norwegian Spruce looking a bit more sparse than usual, with one person labelling it the “most anaemic tree possible”.

One social media user said: “As a Norwegian Brit, I’m truly embarrassed … ”

Another person tweeted: “The Trafalgar tree’s looking a bit sparse this year … Who upset Norway then? Come on, own up.”

Another added: “You look a bit thin. You been dieting?”

The official Twitter account for the tree, @trafalgartree, replied: “Hmph! I thought I’d left the trolls behind in Norway!”

The famous tree is around 90-years-old and was given to Britain by Norway as a thank you for support during the Second World War. The tradition has been ongoing since 1947.

The tree is chopped down in Norway at the end of November, from a PEFC certified forest, before being transported to London via boat and lorry.

A spokesperson for Westminster Council told the PA news agency: “It’s a shame that people have to always be so negative.

“This tree is a symbol celebrating friendship in the face of adversity.

“I don’t know what people expect a 90-year-old 72ft tree to look like, but it is going to be different from a tree you have in your home. The branches will be spaced out a bit more.

“We hope that people will come and enjoy it when it is dressed and the lights are on.”

The lights are switched on the first Thursday in December, with crowds encouraged to gather around the tree at 6pm.