Royal courtiers chart path for Prince Harry's independence

Queen Elizabeth II has moved quickly to take control of crisis surrounding decision by Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to distance mselves from royal family, ordering royal courtiers to find a future role for pair within days. Officials representing most senior members of family — monarch, her son Prince Charles, grandson Prince William, and Prince Harry and Meghan — were meeting to sort out a workable solution for couple within royal family.

In meantime, Meghan has returned to Cana, where she and Harry spent Christmas holidays, inste of with or royals at queen's estate in Sandringham, England. former actress has longstanding ties to country, having lived in Toronto while filming TV show “Suits.”

talks come after royal pair released

Harry and Meghan faced a barr of criticism from British press over ir decision.

couple has long complained of

monarch and or members of family were said to be "hurt" by anuncement because y weren't informed about communique before it was released. News of talks followed.

latest developments reveal more divisions within British monarchy, which was just rocked in vember by

Harry, 35, is Elizabeth's grandson and sixth in line to British throne, behind his far, bror and his bror's three children. former British Army officer is one of royal family's most popular members and has spent his entire life in public eye.

Before marrying prince in a wedding watched around world in 2018, 38-year-old Meghan was a star of TV legal drama “Suits.” couple's son Archie was born in May 2019.

couple's statement on Wednesday left many questions unanswered — such as what y plan to do and how

y said y plan to cut ties to taxpayer support given each year to queen for official use, which currently covers 5% of costs of running ir office.

Harry and Meghan also have considerable assets of ir own. Harry inherited an estimated 7 million pounds ($9.1 million) from his late mor, Princess Diana, as well as money from his great-grandmor. Meghan has money from a successful acting career.

(Picture Credit: AP)