Queen Elizabeth II says the royal family has agreed on a “period of transition,” during which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will split their time between Canada and the UK, after the couple announced last week they wished to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.

She said she is “entirely supportive” of their desire for a new role but “would have preferred” them to remain full-time working royals.

There is more work to be done but she expects final decisions to be made in the coming days, she said.

Harry and Meghan said on Wednesday they want to step back as senior royals.

The full statement reads:

“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.”