They shocked the world tonight as they announced they were stepping down from all royal duties.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a statement this evening stating that they have made the decision to turn away from royal life in order to raise their son between the United Kingdom and North America. They will still honour their "duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages," however, they want space to focus on the next chapter. More information about their departure from royal duties has been stated on their website. "The Duke and Duchess take great pride in their work and are committed to continuing their charitable endeavours as well as establishing new ones. "In addition, they value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing. "For this reason, they have made the choice to become members of the Royal Family with financial independence," their website reads. You can visit here for more information on their decision. There have been varied reactions to the news on social media, however a lot of it has light-hearted:

British public: weLL IF MEGHAN AND HARRY don't like beiNG IN the PUBLIC EYE they should STEP BACK *Meghan and Harry step back* British public: pic.twitter.com/OZMGLExBVF

— Leanne Sturrock (@leannesturrock) January 8, 2020

Absolute fair fucks to Meghan and Harry for deciding to withdraw from the arena, earn their own dollar, and be free of the miserably undefined job of "being royal." What other sane decision could you make, after the last year? It's like some mad Wonderland race - you can't win.

— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) January 8, 2020

Princess Diana in heaven, watching #Meghan and Harry's latest move: pic.twitter.com/naGE73PhGM

— Zamani Khethelo (@ZamaniNKhethelo) January 8, 2020

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: we’d like some privacy to raise our son and- British press: Then leave lmao Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: *actually leave* British press: pic.twitter.com/kQAPkpoOD7

— wan’s hair (@thefIoridaprjec) January 8, 2020

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle yesterday with that “Bye bitch, we out” glow pic.twitter.com/0VGR9Lj3eg

— jelevision (@jelevision) January 8, 2020

May we all tackle our New Year resolutions as swiftly as Harry and Meghan. pic.twitter.com/4Q4vDgM0p1

— Sylvia Obell (@SylviaObell) January 8, 2020

Omg so Harry & Meghan didn’t even get permission, they just ghosted! This tea is delicious. Darjeeling. #megxit pic.twitter.com/5bu38RkRzn

— Camilla Blackett (@camillard) January 8, 2020

Harry don’t play about Meghan. We all stan.

— Kay (@KaylarWill) January 8, 2020

The couple ended their statement by saying:

"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."

The couple's last royal engagement took place in the Canadian Embassy in London this week, where they thanked them for a welcoming visit to the country over the Christmas holidays.