Britain's Queen Elizabeth has released a new statement after the royal family's two-and-a-half-hour discussion about Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's decision of stepping back as senior members of the royal 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," she said. Read the full statement here:

Harry and Meghan want to become financially independent

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week that they would like to become financially independent and move overseas. Meghan left for Canada on Thursday and Harry is expected to join her as soon as possible; they have made clear they don't want to rely on public funds in their new lives. "These are complex matters for my family to resolve," the Queen added.