King Charles looks in good spirits in new pictures taken at Buckingham Palace

King Charles

King Charles smiles during a private meeting at Buckingham Palace

PA
Hannah Ross

By Hannah Ross


Published: 19/03/2024

- 12:39

Updated: 19/03/2024

- 13:39

The King held a private audience with British veterans of the Korean War today

King Charles looked in good spirits in new pictures taken at Buckingham Palace today.

The monarch was pictured smiling and laughing as he sat alongside veterans of the Korean War.


The King has taken a step back from public-facing duties as he continues cancer treatment but has been undertaking audiences in private.

Today Charles met with British veterans ahead of a palace reception to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War.

King Charles

The King sat with Veterans of the Korean War ahead of a palace reception

PA

The King met with veterans Alan Guy, Mike Mogridge, Brian Parritt, and Ron Yardley.

The Master of The King's Household, Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt also sat with the group of men in the 18th Century Room.

Later, Princess Anne and The Duchess of Edinburgh will host a reception on behalf of the King for Korean War Veterans to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War.

About 200 Korean veterans are expected to attend the reception hosted at Buckingham Palace.

King Charles

A reception will be held at Buckingham Palace for over 200 veterans on Tuesday

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The Princess Royal is expected to deliver a speech on behalf of Charles where he reflects on "the Forgotten War."

The Korean War was fought between North Korea and South Korea between 1950 and 1953, resulting in at least 2.5 million persons losing their lives.

British and Commonwealth troops were sent to fight in Korea after the United Nations called to support South Korea after being invaded by their neighbours.

According to the Royal British Legion, about "60,000 British combat troops saw action during the war in Korea...and 1,100 British soldiers were killed."

King Charles

Princess Anne will give a speech in place of the King

PA

In July 1953 an armistice agreement was signed, but there was no peace treaty.

The anniversary was also acknowledged during the Korean state visit to the UK in November.

Last year, King Charles and Queen Camilla received the President of South Korea and his wife on their State Visit to the UK.

A State Banquet was held at Buckingham Palace for the President and the First Lady by Charles and other members of the Royal Family.

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King Charles and Queen CamillaKing Charles and Queen Camilla receive President of South Korea for State VisitGETTY

It comes as the King plans to attend his birthday celebrations in June, according to a source.

Charles is hoping to attend this year’s Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the sovereign’s official birthday in June.

However, the King will only be able to attend his birthday parade if his health allows it and according to medical advice closer to the time.

In a statement from Buckingham Palace on February 5, it said that Charles "remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

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