Statement From Queen Elizabeth II Indicates 'Period of Transition'
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A New Royal Statement
Now that the Queen and princes Harry, William and Charles have met at Sandringham to iron out the family conflict stemming from Harry and Meghan's decision to "step back" from royal duties, the monarchy has released a statement.
The statement says the Queen is "supportive" of what her grandson and his family have decided -- namely, that they want to be more financially independent and spend less time in Britain.
'Constructive Discussions'
The Queen's statement reads:
"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."
Is the Queen Growing Up?
It also sounds like the Queen is acknowledging Harry and Meghan's current needs, and has labeled the whole situation a "period of transition" within the royal 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 Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend time in Canada and the UK."
Not That Complicated
Finally, the Queen says family matters are tough, and they're trying to work things out, though she says it's expected to take days, and not weeks.
"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."
Stepping Back
On Jan. 8, Meghan and Harry released a statement on their Instagram page explaining what they'd like to do next with their lives.
"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."
The young family has a plan for this new stage in their lives, and it involves more travel to do their own thing, as well as honor the Queen.
"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."
