LONDON

In a dramatic statement for royals watchers worldwide, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on Monday said she is “entirely supportive” of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in their decision to create a new life as a young family.

“Although we would have preferred 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,” the queen said in a statement following a family summit held at Sandringham.

The emergency crunch talk came following last week’s surprise announcement by the

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