Princess Anne and Duchess Sophie joined forces to host a special reception at Buckingham Palace in honor of Korean War veterans on behalf of King Charles.
The event, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, was a significant gesture to pay tribute to those who served during what was once dubbed as the Forgotten War.
During the prestigious gathering, Princess Anne and Duchess Sophie welcomed approximately 200 Korean War veterans, creating a memorable occasion to acknowledge their contributions.
Representing His Majesty the King, the royal duo engaged with dignitaries from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Defence, and the Royal British Legion.
Adorned in elegant attire, Princess Anne donned a stylish teal dress with long sleeves, while Duchess Sophie opted for a stunning floral gown in shades of teal and blue that complemented Princess Anne’s outfit.
Together, they graciously greeted the attendees, exchanged handshakes, and conversed with the veterans individually, showing their respect and appreciation.
Despite King Charles not being present at the official reception, he had a private meeting with four Korean War veterans beforehand.
The King, who has been undergoing treatment following a recent cancer diagnosis announced on February 5, has temporarily stepped back from public duties but remains dedicated to fulfilling his responsibilities.
At the gathering, Princess Anne delivered a touching speech on behalf of King Charles, emphasizing the significance of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
The royal family has faced challenges this year with King Charles and Princess Kate absent from public engagements, prompting other senior royals like Princess Anne to step up and fulfill their duties diligently.
Known for her strong work ethic, Princess Anne, often hailed as the hardest-working princess, carried out an impressive total of 457 engagements in 2023, surpassing all other members of the royal family.
King Charles followed closely behind with 425 engagements, maintaining his position as the second most active royal after his sister, as seen in the previous year.
In a show of unity and dedication to their roles, Duchess Sophie has also increased her involvement in royal engagements this year, participating in joint events with her husband, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.
Breaking away from traditional protocol, she delivered a heartfelt speech at the Royal Society Sports and Entertainment Awards in Leeds, where she celebrated her husband’s 60th birthday and highlighted the importance of diversity in sports.
Looking ahead, the royal family continues to navigate their responsibilities with grace and resilience, showcasing unwavering commitment to serving the public and upholding their duties with honor and dedication.