Megxit one year on: How Britain's major newspapers reacted to Harry and Meghan's shock move

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex unexpectedly announced their intention to step back as senior royals for a financially-independent life, the news immediately became the hottest story around.

Prince Harry and Meghan released their statement on the Sussex Royal Instagram account late in the evening on Wednesday January 8, 2020, UK time.

And – not surprisingly – the couple's royal exit was front page news both in Australia and in the UK, dominating headlines across all of Britain's major publications.

Watch now: A look at life for Prince Harry, Meghan and Archie since Megxit

Here's a look back at some of the front pages as the UK woke up to news of Harry and Meghan's bombshell announcement on Thursday, January 9.

The Guardian lead with: 'Harry and Meghan to "step back as senior royals"'

The Daily Telegraph stated: 'Harry and Meghan quit the Firm'

The Times declared: 'Harry and Meghan quit roles amid Palace split'

And in a phrase we've all come to associate with the move, The Sun – which broke the story – simply read: 'Megxit'

The Daily Mirror had: 'They didn't even tell the Queen'

The Metro reported: 'Harry and Meghan: We quit'

The Daily Mail lead with: 'Queen's fury as Harry and Meghan say: We quit'

The Daily Express had: 'Queen's dismay as Harry and Meghan step back from royal life'

While across the pond, the New York Post declared: 'Megxit: Meghan and Harry leave royals for "commoner" life'

When the Queen convened the Sandringham Summit on January 13 – bringing together Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry – to discuss the future roles of the Sussexes, the crisis talks were covered extensively in the hours after the meeting.

The Daily Mail's headline read: "Go... if you must."

The Metro borrowed the immortal words of Fleetwood Mac to tap into a similar sentiment, declaring: "You can go your own way."

The Daily Mirror ran with: "Queen to Harry: I want you to stay... but you're free to go."

The Daily Telegraph called the Queen's statement her "reluctant farewell".

The Daily Express praised the "gracious" Queen and her decision to "grant Harry his wish".

The Guardian offered a less emotive take, opting simply for: "Harry and Meghan get Queen's backing."