Meghan Markle ‘did not join royal family to discuss future plans because it wasn’t necessary’

Queen announced decision to support Meghan and Harry stepping away from royal duties on Monday

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly did not join the royal's Sandringham summit by phone on Monday to discuss future plans for her family.

A source told the PA news agency: "In the end, the Sussexes decided that it wasn't necessary for the duchess to join."

ITV News' royal correspondent Chris Ship also said a palace aide had confirmed Meghan did not join the conversation remotely from Canada.

The meeting, which was attended by the Duke of Sussex, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, was held to discuss the future of Meghan and Harry's roles in the royal family following their decision to step down.

Following the meeting, the Palace issued a statement on behalf of the Queen announcing there would be a “period of transition” that will see the couple split their time between the UK and Canada.

“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family," the statement continued.

“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.”

The couple revealed their decision to step away from their senior royal roles on Wednesday.

Meghan flew to Canada shortly after, where she rejoined the couple's son Archie Harrison, who is thought to have remained there since the family's Christmas trip.

Reports that Meghan did not join the meeting at Sandringham follows rumours she would phone-in via Skype or Face Time to discuss how hers and Harry's royal roles would change in the future.

Ship clarified: "The earlier guidance at the weekend had been that it was expected that the Duchess of Sussex would join the Family summit by phone from Canada.

"She flew back there last week after making the statement with Harry that they wanted out. Archie is with her on Vancouver Island."

Buckingham Palace offered no comment on the matter when approached by The Independent.