Britain's media reacts to 'Megxit'

According to the British tabloids that have long been a problem for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Elizabeth II is "sad," Prince Charles is "furious," and the couple's shock announcement that they were distancing themselves from the royal family has sparked "civil war" in Britain.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Harry and Meghan announced that they would be "stepping back" from their roles as senior royals and splitting their time between Britain and North America. The two also declared that they wanted to become "financially independent" and provide their son, Archie-Harrison, with a more balanced life.

The Sun branded their planned departure a "Megxit." The term - a play on Brexit, as the British departure from the European Union is known - began widely circulating on social media moments after the couple's stunning statement.

"They didn't even tell the Queen," wrote the Daily Mirror, reporting that the palace became aware of the couple's intentions only when their Instagram post was published.

"Harry and Meghan quit roles amid Palace split," declared The Times, which also reported that the queen was "not told" of their plans. The Daily Telegraph said the royal family was "deeply disappointed" with the two.

The Metro led with "Harry and Meghan: We quit," while the Daily Mail promised readers that Thursday's paper was a "royal bombshell special issue." Its main headline read, "Queen's fury as Meghan and Harry say: we quit." The newspaper also reported that the queen was kept in the dark about their plans and that Harry's brother, Prince William, was unaware, too.

The Daily Express also referred to the news as a "royal bombshell" and spoke of the "queen's dismay." The Guardian's front page read: "Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals," while also reporting on tensions between Iran and the United States.