The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh proved they are a power duo as they hosted a reception for Korean War veterans today.
Standing in for King Charles III, 75, as he continues his cancer treatment, Anne, 73, and Sophie, 59, appeared in good spirits as they chatted to attendees at Buckingham Palace, in central London.
The two hosted various veterans at the intimate event to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.
Despite King Charles’ physical absence, the monarch added a personal touch to the reception and delivered a message via Anne.
Charles explained that his absence from the event left him “disappointed” and “frustrated”, but that he was “very grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for their presence”.
The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh stood in for King Charles III today and hosted a reception for Korean War veterans.
In marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, the royal family aimed to honor the estimated 60,000 British and 50,000 Commonwealth servicemen who served in the Korean War.
Anne looked chic in a tunic dress as she engaged in light conversation with attendees.
She swapped her usual muted hues for a bright blue dress, complete with a luxe brooch.
The princess’s hair was pinned up in a classic bun and she added an element of glamor to her ensemble with a vibrant shade of lipstick.
Elsewhere, Sophie looked cheerful as she shook hands with guests, including Remembrance director Philippa Rawlinson.
Typically elegant in appearance, the late Queen’s daughter-in-law opted for an elegant satin dress with a floral print.
The Duchess styled her blonde tresses in a bun and wore glamorous makeup, accentuating her eyes with dark mascara and eyeshadow.
The mother of two added glitz to her outfit and sported a pair of earrings with an opulent bronze stone.
Sophie smiled for photos with veterans at reception marking 70 years since the end of the Korean War
The Duchess interacted with Korean War veteran Roger Baker (pictured left) and appeared to glance at his phone.
The mother-of-two appeared in good spirits as she shook hands with veterans at the event at Buckingham Palace.
During the event, Sophie met Remembrance director Philippa Rawlinson (pictured right).
Anne and Sophie spoke with Major General Eldon Millar (left), Korean Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Yeocheol Yoon (centre) and Director of Remembrance Philippa Rawlinson (right) at the reception.
The Princess Royal was all smiles as she chatted to veterans at the event earlier today.
In his message delivered through Anne, Charles outlined his thoughts on the event. He wrote: “I am delighted that so many of you will be able to attend today’s reception, a rather late gathering, I fear, to mark seventy years since the end of the Korean War.
“It was a personal ambition of mine to invite you all, in one way or another, to Buckingham Palace to recognize this important milestone and ensure that you will all be rightly honored for your valiant services ago over seventy years old.
“So you can imagine how particularly disappointed and frustrated I am at not being able to join you in person… I can only hope that you will be well looked after in my absence and I am very grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for replacing me.
“As you know only too well, some 60,000 British and 50,000 Commonwealth servicemen served in the Korean War, alongside our United Nations allies. At the July 1953 armistice, President Eisenhower declared: “We will strive earnestly to ensure that this armistice will indeed bring free people closer to their goal of a peaceful world.” »
“Thanks to those of you present and those with whom you fought, the free people of the Republic of Korea continue to enjoy democratic freedom and have proudly preserved peace ever since.
Korean Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Yeocheol Yoon, appeared animated as she chatted with Anne and Sophie.
The Duchess looked chic in a satin midi dress for the occasion. She added a touch of glamor to her ensemble with a pair of bronze earrings.
Princess Anne welcomed Director of Remembrance Philippa Rawlinson to the event with a firm handshake.
The 73-year-old royal looked focused as she chatted with a veteran while clutching her black leather bag.
Looking typically elegant, Anne donned a bright blue tailored tunic dress at the Buckingham Palace event.
Sophie welcomed Korean War veteran Roger Baker (pictured centre) on behalf of King Charles
This enduring legacy was further commemorated during the recent Korean state visit, when President Yoon himself said that Korea today would not have the political freedom, economic prosperity and thriving culture, which extend far beyond its borders, without your courage all those years ago. ‘
Charles concluded: “In a world where freedoms are continually questioned and our values scrutinized, your selfless courage and unwavering pursuit of peace are guiding principles that have not been forgotten and continue to inspire generations to come.
“We salute all those who remain among us and offer our most sincere and eternal gratitude to those who have gone before us. Your service and sacrifice will resonate throughout the ages.