"Brexit" supporters wave placards at Parliament Square in London on Friday, January 31.
In photos: 'Brexit Day'
"Brexit" supporters wave placards at Parliament Square in London on Friday, January 31.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Updated 6:30 PM EST, Fri January 31, 2020

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.

Officials remove the British flag at the European Union Council in Brussels, Belgium.
Officials remove the British flag at the European Union Council in Brussels, Belgium.
Olivier Hoslet/Pool/Reuters
A countdown to Brexit illuminates the exterior of No. 10 Downing Street in London.
A countdown to Brexit illuminates the exterior of No. 10 Downing Street in London.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP
Staff members take down the United Kingdom's flag from outside the European Parliament building in Brussels.
Staff members take down the United Kingdom's flag from outside the European Parliament building in Brussels.
Yui Mok/PA Images/Getty Images
Jonathan Bullock, a Brexit Party member of the European Parliament, holds a flag as he leaves Brussels to return to Britain.
Jonathan Bullock, a Brexit Party member of the European Parliament, holds a flag as he leaves Brussels to return to Britain.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson chairs a cabinet meeting at the University of Sunderland in northeast England.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson chairs a cabinet meeting at the University of Sunderland in northeast England.
Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
Officials arrive for a meeting near the European Parliament in Brussels. At left is European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. European Council President Charles Michel is at right, and European Parliament President David Sassoli is next to von der Leyen.
Officials arrive for a meeting near the European Parliament in Brussels. At left is European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. European Council President Charles Michel is at right, and European Parliament President David Sassoli is next to von der Leyen.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-Brexit protesters hold up a banner on London's Westminster Bridge.
Anti-Brexit protesters hold up a banner on London's Westminster Bridge.
Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
A commemorative 50-pence coin is pictured at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales. The coins will enter into circulation throughout 2020 to mark the UK's exit from the EU.
A commemorative 50-pence coin is pictured at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales. The coins will enter into circulation throughout 2020 to mark the UK's exit from the EU.
Matthew Horwood/Getty Images
Anti-Brexit protesters gather outside Parliament buildings in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Anti-Brexit protesters gather outside Parliament buildings in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Peter Morrison/AP
An anti-Brexit demonstrator spreads her wings during a gathering near Downing Street in London.
An anti-Brexit demonstrator spreads her wings during a gathering near Downing Street in London.
Alberto Pezzali/AP
Brexiteers celebrate in London.
Brexiteers celebrate in London.
Alastair Grant/AP
Pro-EU activists protest at Parliament Square in London.
Pro-EU activists protest at Parliament Square in London.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Brexit supporters have their picture taken in Parliament Square.
Brexit supporters have their picture taken in Parliament Square.
Alastair Grant/AP