Continuing to carry out his duties through his cancer treatment, the King welcomed four Korean War veterans to Buckingham Palace last week.
His Majesty joined Alan Guy, Mike Mogridge, Brian Parritt and Ronald Yardley in the 18th Century Room ahead of a reception to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice ending the fighting.
And it was a family affair, as the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh also hosted around 200 veterans in the Bow Room.
The King has been advised by his medical team to avoid large gatherings, but is keen to do what he can and spoke to the four former servicemen before they joined the gathering.
Around 60,000 British troops and another 50,000 from the Commonwealth served during the three-year conflict, which ended with the armistice on 27 July 1953. More than 1,100 British soldiers lost their lives and another 2,500 were wounded as they helped defend South Korea from invading North Korean troops.
MESSAGE OF THANKS
In a speech delivered on her brother’s behalf, Princess Anne shared his reflections on what has been called the “Forgotten War”.
She said: “I’m filling in for my senior brother, but I would just like to say on my own behalf what a pleasure it is to join you. I’m so glad that Sophie and I have been asked to help out today.
“I have some idea of the country you were fighting in, but not all of it and not the weather that you experienced while you were there.
“When I went to the Winter Olympics a few years ago, it was only minus 14,” she quipped in reference to her visit to South Korea in 2018.
In his message, the King said he was “disappointed and frustrated” not to be joining the reception, adding: “I can only hope you are being well looked after in my absence,” and thanking Anne and Sophie for “standing in for me”.
At this, his sister paused and pointedly looke
