The queen responds to Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from the royal family: 'These are complicated issues'

Cape Town – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a shock announcement on Wednesday when they released a statement that they'd be stepping back as "senior members of the royal family".

In a statement shared on their official Instagram account they wrote, "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."

READ THEIR FULL STATEMENT HERE: In shock late-night statement Harry and Meghan announce that they will 'step back as senior members of the royal family'

After news broke of their decision, many speculated the queen had no idea of Harry and Meghan's plans for their family's future. Jonny Dymond, royal correspondent for BBC News confirmed this on Twitter. "The Palace is understood to be 'disappointed' he said.

BREAKING. BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be ‘disappointed’.

— Jonny Dymond (@JonnyDymond) January 8, 2020

ITV News royal editor, Chris Ship later revealed, "The Sussexes' idea' about the future had only been known for a matter of days-kinda explains the Buckingham Palace statement."

A fair bit of anger starting to emerge about Harry & Meghan statement-the contents of which were not known in advance by other members of the Royal Family.
The Sussexes 'idea' about the future had only been known for a matter of days-kinda explains the Buckingham Palace statement

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) January 8, 2020

Buckingham Palace on behalf of the queen released a brief statement late on Wednesday, proving they may not have known too much about Harry and Meghan's decision, despite "internal discussions".

"Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," Buckingham Palace said in a statement before admitting not even the royal family is sure where things will go from here.

"We understand their desire to take a different approach," the palace added, "but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."  

(Photo: Getty Images)