Visitors of Hampton Court Palace will now be able to enjoy a selection of Japanese cherry trees that were gifted in a bid to celebrate the UK's relationship with Japan.

A planting ceremony was held on February 10, which marked the launch of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project at Hampton Court Palace.

A total of Three Prunus Shirofugen trees were handed over to the Palace and blessed in a tree ceremony that was held by the Chaplain to the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, the Reverend Canon Anthony Howe and with members of the palace’s specialist Gardens and Estates team.

They were also joined by Takako Tsujisaka, Consul-General and Minister at the Japanese Embassy.

Lucy Hutchings, Head of Hampton Court Palace, said “We are delighted to accept the gift of these three cherry trees, and to be part of this exciting national initiative.

"We welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the palace each year to explore our stunning 60 acres of formal gardens, and we are sure their beautiful blossom will be a popular addition to our grounds.”

The project will be a legacy from the 'Japan to UK Season of Culture 2019-2020,' which showcases Japan’s multifaceted attractions in the UK.

The Season provides the opportunity to learn more about Japan, its culture and people through hundreds of events ranging from arts and sports to cuisine and performance.

Once the Season ends, members of the public will start to witness the 1000s of cherry trees blossom in spring 2020 and beyond.