The King and the Christmas Tree: A True Story of Courage, Kindness and Wartime Friendship

Every December, a huge Christmas tree arrives in Trafalgar Square. Bedecked in lights, it is a shimmering, festive beacon in the heart of London. But even more enchanting than the twinkling decorations and scented pine is the story behind the tree; a story of loyalty, friendship and resistance. On a cold evening in 1940, German w arships made their w ay tow ards Oslo. It seemed inevitable that Norw ay, like so many other European nations, w ould soon submit to the Nazi regime. But the country's indomitable King Haakon VII refused to surrender. Making his escape through his country tow ards the safe haven of Britain, King Haakon became an icon of hope for his people. And so, over seventy years later, the tree in Trafalgar Square remains as an enduring gift of thanks from Norw ay to the people of Britain. In The King and the Christmas Tree historian A. N. W ilson artfully w eaves together this tale of courage and friendship betw een nations. Richly illustrated and beautifully told, it is a delightful Christmas cracker for everyone, young and old alike.