Background Royals Thrust Onto World Stage: Edward and Sophie Given Major Royal Promotions by King Charles

Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, have become known as the "chosen couple" in King Charles III's slimmed-down monarchy. As the Duke of Edinburgh continues to be promoted and rewarded for his service to the Crown, Buckingham Palace shared that His Royal Highness will, alongside his Duchess, represent the King in New Zealand at the famous World War I Remembrance Ceremony on Anzac Day, April 25.

The ceremony has previously only been attended by Kings and Queens or Princes and Princesses of Wales, which is an added significance for the Edinburgh's as they fill in for the monarch. Charles III is still too ill for long-haul travel as His Majesty continues to receive treatments for an unknown type of cancer. Edward and Sophie previously stood in for the sovereign at April 8's military celebration of the Entente Cordiale between Britain and France.

The pair were, however, passed over on Tuesday, April 23's royal honors list from the King, who gave his equally sick daughter-in-law, Kate, Princess of Wales, the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour designation. Prince William also received the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath honor, which one royal analyst said was mostly protocol due to their roles as Prince and Princess of Wales.

"Make no mistake of it, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are now full-fledged senior royals," a palace insider spilled. "They are now representing the King abroad, which only senior royals can do."

During the Entente Cordiale event, an onlooker told an outlet that they were expecting to see either Queen Camilla or even Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie walk out in the King's place. The onlooker said they were all surprised to see the Edinburghs as the "chosen ones," since the duo have rarely stepped up in such a mainline capacity in front of the world's media.

Many also hoped to see the King since he "did so well" when attending the Easter Sunday church service at Windsor Castle, going on to chat and shake hands with people lining the routes.

This followed a rare interview the prince gave ahead of his 60th birthday on March 10, where he offered an update on his brother King Charles III's health only weeks after his diagnosis.

"He's doing well; we are keeping our fingers crossed that it all goes very well," His Royal Highness shared.

"We were all hugely grateful for the extraordinary support from everyone. I know he has been very touched by it all," the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's youngest child added.

Us Weekly reported on Edward and Sophie's major royal event.