The Duchess of Sussex has been assumed to be attending the meeting to discuss her family's future role remotely via phone, but Buckingham Palace issues a statement stating otherwise.

• Jan 14, 2020

AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex was not involved in Monday's, January 13, meeting of senior British royals because she felt it "wasn't necessary."

The former "Suits" actress and her husband, Prince Harry, last week announced their intention to "step back" from their duties as senior members of the royal family, prompting Queen Elizabeth II to call a meeting to discuss her family's future role in the monarchy.

While Meghan was assumed to be attending the meeting remotely via phone, a statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday that the Duchess was not involved - insisting it was a choice made by her and her husband.

"In the end, The Sussexes decided that it wasn't necessary for The Duchess to join," the statement read, reported royal correspondent for Britain's The Sun newspaper, Emily Andrews.

However, they clarified Harry was in regular contact with his wife to "keep her in the loop" about the talks with his immediate family, including dad Prince Charles and brother Prince William.

Harry is expected to fly out to Canada to be with Meghan and son Archie by the end of this week, after being granted permission by the Queen to split the couple's time between there and the U.K., according to the Evening Standard newspaper.