The Queen's statement on the Harry and Meghan's future in full

Queen Elizabeth departs from St Mary Magdalene's church on the Sandringham estate
REUTERS
Katy Clifton15 January 2020

The Queen has issued a statement confirming that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to begin a "new life" after a transition period.

The statement was issued after crisis talks at Sandringham on Monday about Harry and Meghan, who have said they want to become financially independent and step back as senior royals.

The Queen spoke of her support of the couple, saying the royal family “respect and understand” their desire for a “new life”.

She stressed the discussions were “complex matters” for her family to resolve but she wanted “final decisions” in the “coming days”.

Read the Queen's full statement below:

A statement by Queen Elizabeth II
PA

“Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family.

“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family.

"Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.

“Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives.

“It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.

“These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.”

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