The monarch of Britain said Monday the royal family is willing to give "a period of transition" in which Prince Harry and his family would spend time in Canada and the UK.

After the royal family had a "very constructive" discussion about the future of Duke and Duchess of Sussex Monday at Sandringham, the Queen said in a statement that despite her preference for the couple to remain as full-time working royals, the royal family is "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," it said.

Harry and Meghan published a statement last week saying that they intend to "step back" as senior royals, spending time in North America and being financially independent.

"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," the Queen's statement said.

However, it added, due to the complex nature of the issue, "there is some more work to be done", but the Queen has asked for "final decisions to be reached in the coming days".

British media reported that the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry met at Sandringham to discuss the plans Monday.