Queen Elizabeth II released a statement addressing the news that Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are stepping back from their official royal duties.
“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,” the queen said Monday. “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,” she continued. “It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the U.K.”
Harry and Meghan announced Wednesday they were stepping back from their duties to “become financially independent.” The move prompted outrage by some in Buckingham Palace.
A recent poll showed that 54% of the British public think Harry should “give up the right” to be the sixth in line to the throne over the decision.
“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 queen, 93, added.
BREAKING: Harry/Meghan have successfully bullied the Queen into letting them have their cake & eat it. pic.twitter.com/ItD9I2uLJ7
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 13, 2020
