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Queen Elizabeth Releases Statement about Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Exit after 2-Hour Family Summit

By Gracious Egedegbe

Jan 14, 2020

08:49 A.M.

Her Majesty, the Queen of England, is making headlines after putting out a statement addressing Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's decision to step back as senior members of the royal family.

The Queen's statement came after a 2-hour family summit and it hinted that, while their decisions are supported, the issue still bears some complexity.

Queen Elizabeth II attends a state banquet at Brdo Castle on the first day of a two day tour of Slovenia on October 21, 2008 in Ljubljana, Slovenia | Photo: Getty Images

She further explained that irrespective of their decision, they are still a "valued" part of the family. The statement read:

"My family and I are entirely in support of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family...We respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life...while remaining a valued part of my family…"

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle depart from Catalyst Inc, Northern Ireland's next generation science park on March 23, 2018 in Belfast, Nothern Ireland | Photo: Getty Images

Having stated the decision made by the family after the meeting, the 93-year-old monarch concluded that "final decisions" are "to be reached in the coming days."

Prince Harry and his wife made their decision to "step down as senior members" via an Instagram post, stating that their residence will now be between two continents, North America and Europe.

Details from royal sources explained this change to be "hurtful" for the royals. Another hurtful feeling is also the severed relationship between Prince Harry and his only brother, Prince William.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex tend to their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor at a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa | Photo: Getty Images

The latter reportedly told a friend how his relationship with his brother is currently strained. He said:

"I've put my arm around my brother all my life, and now I can't do that anymore; we're separate entities."

It's a new year, and it appears that the Queen seeks to bury the hatchet and make her family a harmonious one, considering the drastic change they've all witnessed this past week following the news from her grandson.

Apart from reactions from the royals, another dignified individual to have commented on the issue at hand is the iconic artist, Sir Elton John.

He shared a close friendship with Prince Harry's mom, Princess Diana. According to the singer's spokesperson, Elton was "surprised" at the Prince's announcement of independence.