Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced they are taking a "step back" from royalty, in a move that is as controversial as it is "progressive" - so how has the world responded to the unprecedented news?
While many of Harry and Meghan's supporters have heralded the duo for carving a modern path in an ancient institution, others aren't so impressed with the royal rebuff - particularly as the couple reportedly failed to consult the Queen before declaring their "transition".
With the weight of the world's attention on their shoulders, the couple also declared a plan to make dramatic changes to their media interactions in an attempt to limit "frequent misreporting" and "false impressions" - as social media sniggers in the corner.
How the world responded to Harry and Meghan's announcement
Prominent American journalist Dan Rather has praised the duo for their dynamic approach.
"The world changes. We change. We must all chart our own course through life in line with our dreams and values. I wish Prince Harry and Meghan health, happiness and godspeed on their journey," he tweeted.
Author Mary Laura Philpott has also championed Meghan Markle as a "life coach", praising the former actress for her refusal to conform to accepted royal protocol.
"Lessons from Meghan, former senior royal / current senior life-coach to everyone," Philpott wrote.
"1. You can quit things. 2. Someone else's dream job (or even *your* onetime dream job) doesn't have to be your dream job. 3. If you don't like the options before you, invent your own option."
Author, "feminist" and "extroverted hermit", Cheryl Strayed, acknowledged the couple for "setting boundaries" and "honouring the right to determine the path of your own life".
Notoriously outspoken British media personality Piers Morgan was less accepting of Harry and Meghan's intention to strike a "geographic balance".
"Harry and Meghan have just published their new rulebook for the media to obey. Even Putin wouldn't try to pull a stunt like this. I fear they've both gone nuts," Morgan tweeted.
"People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William and has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case."
NPR political reporter Jessica Taylor also had a problem with the reported lack of royal consultation surrounding the couple's shock decision.
"It's one thing to quit your family. And it's an entirely different thing to put out a statement telling the world you're out before informing said family."
Daily Mail's deputy political editor and Parliamentary Press Gallery chairman John Stevens blasted the couple for acting like "Instagram stars working with a corporate brand", referencing their intention to "continue to collaborate with Her Majesty the Queen".
British tabloid The Sun has emblazoned its paper with the most inflammatory words possible, insinuating a "civil war" is on the horizon. A personal favourite is Prince Charles and William being "incandescent with rage".
Daily Mail UK has jumped on the Queen's alleged rage and "FURY" in a bold title, juxtaposed with a picture of the little 93-year-old great-grandmother in a quaint pink ensemble and headscarf.
Meanwhile, celebrities have also given their two cents, with singer Bette Midler comparing Markle's tabloid battle to that of Princess Diana.
"They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana... I hope she bankrupts them all."
Comedian Amy Schumer announced her and husband Chris Fischer's intention to step down from royal duties, sweeping away from the spotlight with a green umbrella for dramatic flair.
And because we all deserve a laugh, here's a selection of honourable mentions:
