The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh proved they make quite the power duo as they hosted a reception for Korean War Veterans together today.

Stepping in for King Charles III, 75, as he continues cancer treatment, Anne, 73, and Sophie, 59, appeared in high spirits as they chatted with attendees at Buckingham Palace, central London.

The pair greeted various veterans at the intimate event, which set out 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 has made him feel ‘disappointed’ and ‘frustrated’ but is ‘most grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for standing in.’

The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh stepped 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 honour the some 60,000 British and 50,000 Commonwealth servicemen and women who served in the Korean War.

Anne looked chic in a tunic dress as she engaged in light conversation with attendees. 

She traded her usual muted shades for a bright blue dress, completed with a luxury brooch.

The Princess’s hair was pinned in a classic updo, and she added an element of glamour to her ensemble with a vibrant shade of red lipstick.

Elsewhere, Sophie appeared cheerful as she shook hands with guests, including Director of Remembrance Philippa Rawlinson.

Looking typically elegant, the late Queen’s daughter-in-law opted for a stylish satin dress with a floral print.

The Duchess styled her blonde tresses in a bun and wore a glam face of make-up, accentuating her eyes with dark mascara and eyeshadow.

The mother-of-two added glitz to her outfit and sported a pair of drop earrings with an opulent bronze stone.

Sophie smiled for photographs with war veterans during the reception, which marked 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 high spirits as she shook hands with veterans at the event in Buckingham Palace 

During the event, Sophie met with the Director of Remembrance 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) during the reception 

The Princess Royal was all smiles as she chatted with war veterans during 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 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. 

‘You might therefore imagine how particularly disappointed and frustrated I am to not be able to join you all in person… I can only hope that you are being well looked after in my absence and I am most grateful to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh for standing in for me.

‘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. During the Armistice in July 1953, President Eisenhower declared: “We shall fervently strive to ensure that this armistice will, in fact, bring free peoples one step nearer to their goal of a world at peace.”

‘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. 

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

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

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

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

Looking typically stylish, Anne donned a bright blue tailored tunic dress at the Buckingham Palace event 

Sophie greeted Korean War veteran Roger Baker (pictured in the centre) on behalf of King Charles 

This enduring legacy was further commemorated during the recent Korean State Visit, when President Yoon himself declared that Korea would not have the political freedom, economic prosperity and flourishing culture today, that has extended far beyond its borders, without your bravery all those years ago.’ 

Charles concluded: ‘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. 

‘We salute all those who remain among us, and offer our most heartfelt and undying gratitude for those who have gone before. Your service and your sacrifice will echo through the ages.’