Princess Anne and the Duchess of Edinburgh hosted a Buckingham Palace reception today as the duo stepped up for the King.
Anne, 73, and Sophie, 59, hosted the event on behalf of King Charles as he continues to step back from public-facing duties amidst ongoing cancer treatment.
The royals welcomed Korean War Veterans for a reception to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War.
On arrival, they greeted representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Defence and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
Princess Anne and the duchess held a reception Korean War Veterans
PA
The Duchess of Edinburgh speaks to Korean War veteran Roger Barker
PA
The Princess Royal and Sophie, the wife of Prince Edward, held the reception for around 200 Korean War Veterans in the Bow Room of the palace.
Before the reception today, the King held a private audience with four Korean War Veterans and he was pictured laughing and smiling with the group.
The King met with veterans Alan Guy, Mike Mogridge, Brian Parritt, and Ron Yardley.
July 2023 marked 70 years since an armistice was signed which brought the Korean war to a close.
Anne and the Korean Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Yeocheol Yoon speaks with war veterans
PA
Princess Anne delivered a speech on behalf of King Charles
Getty
During the reception, Princess Anne delivered a speech by Charles to reflect on what is commonly described as "the Forgotten War."
She recited: “I am delighted that so many of you are able to attend today’s reception, a rather belated gathering, I fear, to mark seventy years having passed since the end of the Korean War.
“It has been a personal ambition of mine to invite you all, in some form, to Buckingham Palace to recognise this significant milestone and ensure you are all most deservingly honoured for your valiant service over seventy years ago.”
The Korean War was fought between North Korea and South Korea between 1950 and 1953, resulting in at least 2.5 million persons losing their lives.
The reception was held at Buckingham Palace
Getty
British and Commonwealth troops were sent to fight in Korea after the United Nations called to support South Korea after being invaded by their neighbours.
Anne continued: “As you will know all too well, some 60,000 British and 50,000 Commonwealth servicemen and women served in the Korean War, alongside our United Nations Allies.
“Thanks to those of you present, and those you fought alongside, the free peoples of the Republic of Korea continue to experience democratic liberty and have proudly preserved peace ever since.”
According to the Royal British Legion about 1,100 British soldiers were killed during the war in Korea.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a green, patterned dress for the occasion
PA
The princess read: “In a world where freedoms are continually being challenged and our values scrutinised, your selfless courage and steadfast pursuit of peace are guiding principles which have not been forgotten and continue to inspire generations to come.”
The King also voiced his frustration’ and ‘disappointment at not being able to join the reception in person.
The anniversary was also acknowledged during the Korean state visit to the UK in November 2023.
Last year, King Charles and Queen Camilla received the President of South Korea and his wife on their State Visit to the UK.
