Per a statement from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle will be granted a "period of transition" after the couple expressed their wish to step down as senior Royals in order to spend more time in Canada.
The news led to Piers Morgan branding the couple "spoiled brats":Despite many conflicting reports currently circulating online expressing the Queen's displeasure at her grandson's decision, in her statement, she says that she is "entirely supportive" of Harry and Meghan's desire for a new life, but "would have preferred" for them to keep their current roles.
Releasing the statement on the Royal Family's official website, Her Majesty wrote:
"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 statement comes just days after the Buckingham Palace announces that discussions with the Sussexes were at an "early stage", following Harry and Meghan's original statement.
On January 8, a statement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed that they intend to split their time between the UK and North America, as a means of attaining a "geographic balance" that would enable them to raise son Archie "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". They also outlined charitable causes.
Their full statement read:
"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"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 statement continued:
"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.
"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.
"Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."
