King Charles opens up on 'disappointment and frustration' at missing royal duties in new statement

King Charles opens up on 'disappointment and frustration' at missing royal duties in new statement

WATCH NOW: The Princess Royal delivers speech to Korean War veterans on behalf of King Charles

GB News
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 19/03/2024

- 18:24

The monarch has currently paused all public-facing duties while he receives cancer treatment

  • Princess Anne and the Duchess of Edinburgh represented King Charles at today's event
  • The Princess Royal delivered a speech on behalf of the monarch
  • Have your say: What did you think of Princess Anne's speech from King Charles today? Just click the comment button above NOW

King Charles has opened up about his "disappointment and frustration" with missing royal duties in a new statement.

Princess Anne, 73, delivered the statement on behalf of her brother during a reception at Buckingham Palace today.


The reception was held in order to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

The Princess Royal spoke with war veterans during the reception, which was hosted on behalf of King Charles.

King Charles and Princess Anne

Princess Anne delivered a speech on behalf of King Charles today

Getty

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh also attended the event to meet with Korean War veterans.

Princess Anne delivered a speech at the reception, written by the King.

During the speech, she said: "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...

Princess Anne

Princess Anne received a round of applause after delivering her brother's speech

PA

"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."

Princess Anne then proceeded to look up at the room with a comical look on her face, to which everyone burst out laughing.

Before launching into King Charles's pre-written speech, the Princess Royal discussed travelling to Korea several years ago and her joy at being able to represent her "dear brother" at the reception.

King Charles has currently paused all public-facing duties as he receives cancer treatment.

Princess Anne and Duchess of Edinburgh

Princess Anne and the Duchess of Edinburgh represented King Charles at the reception

PA

He is continuing to perform duties behind the scenes, including reading his daily red box of official papers and meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak every week.

Princess Anne continued to speak on behalf of her brother during the speech.

She added: "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.

"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.

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Princess Anne and Duchess of Edinburgh

Princess Anne and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh met with Korean War veterans

PA

"It is our duty to remember what was once called 'the Forgotten War'.

"Next month, like every year, your fellow veterans will meet in Solma-Ri, Gapyeong and Busan to commemorate the Battles of the Imjin and Gapyeong and to remember those who fell in the service of the United Nations Command on the Korean Peninsula.

"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."

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