King Charles says he is ‘extremely disappointed and frustrated’ to miss reception for Korean War veterans – as Princess Anne and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh step in for rare joint engagement

The Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh proved they make quite a power duo when they co-hosted a reception for Korean War veterans today.

Anne, 73, and Sophie, 59, stood in for King Charles III, 75, as he continued cancer treatment, appearing cheerful as they chatted with attendees at Buckingham Palace, central London.

The pair greeted several veterans at the intimate event, which commemorated 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 through Anne.

Charles explained that his absence from the event has left him “disappointed” and “frustrated” but that he is “very grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for their contribution.”

As they marked the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, the royal family wanted to honor the approximately 60,000 British and 50,000 Commonwealth soldiers who served in the Korean War.

Anne looked chic in a tunic dress as she had a light-hearted chat with attendees.

She swapped her usual muted sunglasses for a bright blue dress, accessorized with a luxurious brooch.

The princess’ hair was done up in a classic updo and she added an element of glamor to her ensemble with a vibrant shade of red lipstick.

Elsewhere, Sophie appeared in good spirits as she shook hands with guests, including Remembrance director Philippa Rawlinson.

The late queen’s daughter-in-law looked typically elegant and opted for a stylish satin dress with a floral print.

The Duchess styled her blonde locks into a bun and wore a glamorous face of makeup, accentuating her eyes with dark mascara and eye shadow.

The mother-of-two added glitter to her outfit and wore a pair of earrings with an opulent bronze stone.

Sophie smiled for photos with war veterans at the reception, which marked 70 years since the end of the Korean War

The Duchess was in contact with Korean War veteran Roger Baker (pictured left) and appeared to be checking 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 with Remembrance director Philippa Rawlinson (pictured right)

Anne and Sophie spoke at the reception with Major General Eldon Millar (left), the Korean Ambassador to Britain, His Excellency Yeocheol Yoon (centre) and Director of Remembrance Philippa Rawlinson (right).

The Princess Royal was all smiles as she chatted with war veterans at the event earlier today

In his message conveyed through Anne, Charles outlined his thoughts on the event. He wrote: “I am delighted that so many of you can attend today’s reception, a rather belated gathering, I’m afraid, to mark the seventy years that have passed since the end of the Korean War.

‘It has been a personal ambition of mine to invite all of you, in whatever form, to Buckingham Palace to recognize this important milestone and to ensure that you are all most meritoriously honored for your gallant service over seventy years past.

‘You can therefore imagine how extremely disappointed and frustrated I am that I cannot be with you in person… I can only hope that you are well looked after in my absence and I am the Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh , because she vouched for me.

‘As you know only too well, some 60,000 British and 50,000 Commonwealth soldiers served in the Korean War, alongside our United Nations allies. During the armistice in July 1953, President Eisenhower declared: “We will strive ardently to see that this armistice will in fact bring free peoples one step closer to their goal of a world at peace.”

“Thanks to those of you who were present and those you fought alongside, the free peoples of the Republic of Korea continue to experience democratic freedom and have proudly kept the peace ever since.

Korean Ambassador to Britain His Excellency Yeocheol Yoon appeared animated as she chatted with Anne and Sophie

The Duchess looked chic for the occasion in a mid-length satin dress. She added a touch of glamor to her ensemble with a pair of bronze earrings

Princess Anne greeted director of Remembrance Philippa Rawlinson with a firm handshake at the event

The 73-year-old royal looked focused as she chatted with a war veteran while holding her black leather bag

Looking typically stylish, Anne wore a bright blue custom tunic dress to the Buckingham Palace event

Sophie greeted Korean War veteran Roger Baker (pictured center) on behalf of King Charles

This lasting legacy was further commemorated during the recent Korean state visit, when President Yoon himself stated that Korea today would not have the political freedom, economic prosperity and thriving culture that has expanded far beyond its borders, without your courage all those years ago. ‘

Charles concluded: “In a world where freedoms are constantly challenged and our values ​​are under scrutiny, your selfless courage and steadfast pursuit of peace are guiding principles that have not been forgotten and that continue to inspire generations to come.

“We greet all who remain among us, and express our most sincere and eternal gratitude to those who have gone before us. Your service and your sacrifice will echo through the ages.”