'Would've preferred if Harry, Meghan remained full-time members of Royal Family': Full text of Queen Elizabeth's statement on decision to 'step back'

London: The following is the full text of Queen Elizabeth’s statement following discussions within the royal family on future arrangements for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex: [caption id=“attachment_4473113” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of Harry and Meghan.[/caption] “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.”