The Spy Who (UK) | ENCORE: The Spy Who Gave London its Christmas Tree | Episode Summary

Podcast: The Spy Who
Episode: ENCORE – The Spy Who Gave London its Christmas Tree (UK)
Date: December 23, 2025
Hosts: Indira Varma & Raza Jaffrey
Main Theme:
A festive episode uncovering the adventurous wartime origins of the annual tradition where Norway gifts Britain a Christmas tree for Trafalgar Square, tracing it back to a daring World War II spy mission involving Norwegian commandos, the exiled King, and Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.

Episode Overview

This special episode tells the true story – dramatized from public records – of how a covert wartime operation, an exiled Norwegian king longing for home, and British intelligence (including Ian Fleming) led to the British capital’s most famous Christmas tree. The narrative follows Norwegian commandos behind enemy lines, the significance of their mission, and how their acts seeded a tradition that still stands.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Exile of King Haakon VII

• [00:00 – 02:30]
  The episode opens in June 1940 with King Haakon VII of Norway being urged by his ministers to flee as the Nazis advance. Although reluctant to abandon his country, the King is persuaded to continue the fight from exile in Britain, giving hope through radio broadcasts (see notable quote below).

2. Secret Naval Mission to Occupied Norway

• [02:30 – 10:15]
  • Setting: November 1942.
  • Norwegian Navy torpedo man Mons Kluben, once a fisherman, joins a crew on a secret reconnaissance mission to sabotage a German-controlled pyrite mine.
  • They use British "Spitfire of the sea" motor torpedo boats, joined by British commandos under Ian Fleming of Naval Intelligence.
  • The mission is fraught with danger: navigating patrolled waters, gathering intelligence, and remaining undetected.

3. Christmas Nostalgia and the Birth of a Tradition

• [10:15 – 18:00]
  • While waiting in hiding, the Norwegian crew’s longing for home intensifies, especially yearning for Christmas food and a tree:
    • "All I want for Christmas is to eat some Lutefisk. It’s not Christmas without Lutefisk." – Crew cook (12:15)
    • They hatch a plan to cut down two fir trees from the magical island of Hisøya: one for their Shetland mess hall, one as a gift for the exiled King.

4. The Tree Hunt—Danger and Camaraderie

• [14:00 – 22:00]
  • The crew use a meat saw (to avoid attracting German patrols) in a snowstorm to cut down suitable trees.
  • • “The lieutenant said our tree isn’t good enough. We have to go back and find a better one.” – Norwegian sailor (18:20)
  • They narrowly avoid being caught by a German patrol boat, which underlines the constant danger.

5. Aborted Sabotage, Escape, and Return

• [22:00 – 28:30]
  • Despite gathering key intelligence, the planned attack on an engine factory is aborted due to enemy patrols.
  • The crew’s quick thinking and superior boats ensure their escape.

6. The Christmas Tree Reaches London

• [29:00 – 34:00]
  • The adventurers are debriefed by Admiral Norman Denning and Ian Fleming in London.
  • They celebrate at the Savoy, toasting bravery and camaraderie with aquavit and the two Christmas trees beside them:
    • "We don’t have fairy lights. But we do have flares." – Mons Kluben (32:40)
  • Fleming suggests placing the scrappy extra tree in Trafalgar Square as a gesture.

7. The King’s Christmas Gift

• [34:00 – 36:10]
  • The finest tree is delivered to King Haakon VII, lifting his spirits and symbolizing Norway’s enduring resistance.
    • "Thank you for this most heartwarming and thoughtful gift." – King Haakon VII (36:00)

8. Tradition Begins

• [36:10 – 38:10]
  • The intelligence gathered enables a successful Allied sabotage mission.
  • In following years, Norwegians continue to bring Christmas trees for the exiled King.
  • In 1947, Norway makes the tradition official, sending a towering fir each year to Trafalgar Square as a thank-you to the UK.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The liberty and independence of the Norwegian people are my duty. To leave is to fail in that duty." – King Haakon VII (01:24)
• “We should get a tree… one for the mess hall, another for the King. The King keeps all of our spirits up, but who is keeping up his spirits?” – Norwegian sailor (13:40)
• "We don’t have fairy lights. But we do have flares." – Mons Kluben (32:40)
• "Thank you for this most heartwarming and thoughtful gift." – King Haakon VII (36:00)
• "[This tree] is a thank you from us, the people of Norway, to you for keeping the hope of a free Norway alive. Merry Christmas, your majesty.” – Norwegian sailor to King Haakon VII (35:55)
• "As the traditional Christmas argument fills the air... passersby stop and smile at the Norwegian tree, lit with flares and surrounded by the spies and sailors who’ve just planted the seeds of a new festive tradition." – Narration (34:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00 – 02:30] – King Haakon VII’s exile and resolve
• [02:30 – 10:15] – Torpedo boat mission begins
• [10:15 – 18:00] – Christmas nostalgia, tree-cutting plan
• [18:00 – 22:00] – Danger during the tree hunt
• [22:00 – 28:30] – Sabotage plot and daring escape
• [29:00 – 34:00] – Arrival in London, Savoy dinner, the Trafalgar Christmas tree
• [34:00 – 36:10] – Presentation of the tree to King Haakon
• [36:10 – 38:10] – Tradition established, episode wrap-up

Tone and Delivery

The episode balances suspense, patriotism, and warmth, weaving together humor and tension as the crew navigates real danger for a deeply human and festive goal. The dramatized reconstructions maintain a conversational, heartfelt, and sometimes wry tone, staying true to the personalities as portrayed in source material.

Conclusion

The Spy Who Gave London Its Christmas Tree uncovers how a single act of defiance, nostalgia, and gratitude forged a tradition that’s become symbolic of gratitude and international friendship. The episode blends war history, covert heroism, and the power of small gestures—leaving listeners with both a sense of adventure and holiday cheer.

For more episodes or to suggest a spy story for the podcast, listeners are encouraged to contact the hosts.