"Brexit" supporters wave placards at Parliament Square in London on Friday, January 31.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
In photos: 'Brexit Day'
Updated 6:30 PM ET, Fri January 31, 2020
"Brexit" supporters wave placards at Parliament Square in London on Friday, January 31.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Britain became the first country to ever leave the European Union on Friday, January 31.
The historic departure known as "Brexit" comes more than three tumultuous years since 51.89% of people from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar voted to leave the EU.
"Brexiteers" are marking the occasion with celebrations across the country, and there have been protests by those who voted to remain in the EU.