Despite big changes,Meghan Markleis all smiles.
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At the conclusion of the historic family summit on Monday,Queen Elizabethannounced that that as conversations regarding Meghan and Harry’s decision to step down as senior royals continue, there will be a “period of transitionin which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the U.K.”
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At the time, the palace said Harry and Meghan’s decision to base themselves in the country over the holidays “reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both.”
“The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family,” the statement continued. “They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.”
Prince Harry and son Archie.Sussex Royals
The Queen, 93, added in her statement, “Althoughwe would have preferredthem 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.”
“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,” she concluded.
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In this week’s cover story,a family friend tells PEOPLE that the couple felt they had no choice but to manage things the way they did, even as they went against the family’s “never complain, never explain” mantra.
“This is not how they wanted to handle this, but Meghan and Harry’s hand was forced,” says the friend. “There is so much bad blood in that family — it’s toxic.”
The friend adds, “If relationships had been better, things would have been different.”
source: people.com
