The Queen of England has issued a statement following talks held between senior members of the Royal Family on Monday. The meeting was called to discuss a new role for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their announcement that they wish to step back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family.

Read her full statement below:

“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.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle had announced last week that they were stepping down as senior members of the royal family.