Queen Elizabeth agreed to a "transitional period" for Prince Harry and his wife to withdraw from the royal family, living in both England and Canada.

"The meeting at Sandringham is very constructive. My family and I fully support Harry and Meghan's desire to build a new life as a young family," Queen Elizabeth said in a statement today. January 13 after family meeting at her private residence.

According to the Queen, the royal family wanted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to work full-time as senior members, but they understood the young couple's desire to live independently. Harry and Meghan made it clear they did not want their new life dependent on public funds, so the Queen agreed to a "transition period", in which Harry and Meghan would live in both England and Canada.

"These are complex issues that my family needs to solve and there is much work to be done. I have asked for a final decision in the coming days," the Queen said.

Prince Harry and Princess Meghan on January 8 unexpectedly announced they were withdrawing from high-ranking roles in the royal family to establish a new charity and live in both England and North America. Both Prince Harry and Meghan talked about the difficulties of royal life and the media attention in recent months. The Prince said he feared his wife would fall victim to the "powerful forces" that led to the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

The couple is believed to have not consulted anyone about the decision, leaving the royal family "very hurt". The meeting in Sandringham was the first time the British royal family had faced Harry since he announced his intention to withdraw. Princess Meghan participated in a telephone discussion from Canada.