Twitter's funniest reactions to '#Megxit'

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's announcement of their plan to quit as senior royals has seen social media explode with hysterial comments and theories about the move.

In a statement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed they will be stepping down as "senior royals" in 2020, and will focus on financial independence away from the monarchy.

The news was seemingly a shock to the Queen, with a palace statement assuring the public the discussions around the "complicated" situation were only in the early stages.

It was also, of course, surprising to royal fans around the world, and as of Thursday morning, the hashtag #Megxit was trending on Twitter.

Hollywood even jumping on board with the jokes with actress and comedienne, Amy Schumer tweeting a tongue-in-cheek gag about she and her husband were also stepping down from their "royal duties."

Fans were quick to jump on and have their opinions on the huge news with many wondering why people were so surprised following the harsh treatment of the couple over the last two years.

"The Duchess of Sussex, aka Meghan Thee Markle dropping the mic on NYE resolutions to stop s--- that is not serving you. You go girl, live your best life," wrote one Twitter user.

"Queen Elizabeth II has changed Harry and Meghan's relationship status to 'it's complicated.' Awkward," added another.

"I don't understand why people are getting so upset about #Megxit after slagging her off for so long. I don't bloody blame them for telling everyone to sod off," commented a third.

Other Twitter users responded with hilarious gifs and videos.

Fans of Netflix's The Crown also jumped at the news, commenting on how exciting future seasons of the royal series will be now one of its key couples had stepped down.

"Season 9 of The Crown will be banging when Prince Harry, played by Rupert Grint, becomes an eco-warrior and quits the Royal Family," commented one fan.

"I cannot wait for this episode of @TheCrownNetflix #Megxit," added another.

"Meghan and Prince Harry single-handedly giving the crown 8772 more seasons as they should," wrote a third.

There's even been speculation as to whether Meghan, who was an actress before joining the royal family, would play herself in the series.

Other commenters (rightfully) wondered how on earth Prince Harry expects to work as a normal member of society and become financially independent after life in the British monarchy:

And finally, Nine's very own Tracy Grimshaw seems to have cracked the real reason for the move:

How did Prince Harry become a pivotal player in shaking up a thousand-year-old monarchy? And what does his marriage to Meghan Markle mean for one of the world's oldest dynasties? Listen to 9Honey's royal podcast, The Windsors: