Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are separated from the royals at Madame Tussauds London | Other reactions to the Sussexes’ announcement

Megxit is really happening.

Madame Tussauds London announced Thursday that it has removed wax figures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the section containing other members of the royal family, just one day after the couple broke the news they will “step back” from their roles.

“Alongside the rest of the world, we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior royals,” Steve Davies, general manager of the museum, told The Independent. “From today Meghan and Harry’s figures will no longer appear in our royal family set.”

He added that visitors will still be able to see the figures, albeit in a different part of the building.

We’ve got to respect their wishes ?‍♂️ #Megxit pic.twitter.com/mb936VcqRd

— Madame Tussauds London (@MadameTussauds) January 9, 2020

“As two of our most popular and well-loved figures they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for them.”

The tourist attraction has shuffled its figures around in the past to reflect what’s happening in the world. Madame Tussauds moved the wax figure of Brad Pitt away from Angelina Jolie after they split, just as the museum separated Pitt and his previous wife, Jennifer Aniston, when they decided to end their marriage.

However, another piece of pop culture, Netflix’s drama, The Crown, won’t depict the 2020 news. One of the show’s producers told the United Kingdom’s PA Media that the series probably won’t ever cover royal events that are happening today.

There have been other reactions to the Sussexes’ news. Rumors of a rift between royal brothers Prince William and Prince Harry have been going on for months. In the wake of Wednesday’s announcement from Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, Prince William is reportedly not pleased.

“William is understandably frustrated by his brother’s decision,” a royal source says, adding that some other members of the royal family have called the move “selfish.”

“Many family members were very disappointed with the Sussexes,” the source tells ET.

The statement issued by Harry and Meghan, the source says, was “personal” and not sanctioned by Buckingham Palace. “The notion that this came out of nowhere is not true. Family members were aware they had been struggling,” the source adds.

ET also spoke with royal expert Katie Nicholl shortly after the announcement was made on Wednesday and she said, “I’m told privately that William is absolutely devastated and quite shocked by this decision for Harry to step down from the royal family.”

Nicholl added, “I have been told by very credible Palace sources that there were discussions over Christmas when the Sussexes were in Canada. They were in touch with the senior members of the royal family, the queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Cambridge and this idea of a transition of a change to their roles of them stepping back as senior royals was something that was being discussed, but this was very early-stage discussions. Nothing had been signed off, nothing had been decided upon, and the idea was that it was going to be developed, talked about, a strategy would be worked out and then an announcement would be made.”

She added that Harry and Meghan appeared to have “completely jumped the gun” by announcing their news.

“I think William feels a sense of betrayal by his brother and possibly a sense of being abandoned too,” Nicholl said. “While Meghan and Harry weren’t the top tier of royals and by that, I mean they are not a future king and queen, you know their importance in the royal family is to not be underestimated. They are hugely valuable.”

Following Harry and Meghan’s announcement, Buckingham Palace, which represents Queen Elizabeth II, issued its own statement, noting that no final decisions had been made about the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

It’s no surprise that the announcement also caused an immediate stir on social media, as Twitter users expressed their very strong feelings on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from the Royal Family.

If they need a director… https://t.co/uGKDkk4VmN pic.twitter.com/izlvkYnO7W

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) January 8, 2020

Once upon a time a beautiful princess rescued a prince https://t.co/W8kCMmZbLr

— Jenna Sauers (@jennasauers) January 8, 2020

“You want Brexit? I’ll give you a fucking Brexit.” — Meghan Thee Markle

— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) January 8, 2020

*clears throat*

Well I guess you could say Harry and Meghan are quitting to spend less time with their family

— Mark Di Stefano (@MarkDiStef) January 8, 2020

Harry leaving his position for Meghan is the white equivalent of Bahubali leaving the kingdom for Anushka I’m telling you this is the power of pussy

— kartinee (@martineekag) January 10, 2020

Been thinking about how a Prince Harry and Meghan Markle situation in the 15th century would have led to 35 years of war and an entire generation of Englishman wiped out. Now we get memes and merchandising.

— neontaster (@neontaster) January 10, 2020

Gonna be more like Meghan Markle and just say “no” to tedious bullshit.

— Charlotte Clymer?️‍? (@cmclymer) January 10, 2020

Bro, not that I give a fuck about Royalty but she was literally killed bc of paparazzi and Meghan is being harassed (blatantly racist) and is obviously not well. His mom would be proud as hell for actually doing something about it https://t.co/2Rx9z6D6QR

— Maya (@MayaTheeePapaya) January 10, 2020

When I think about Meghan and Harry’s decision, I immediately think of this video. My heart broke for her when I saw this. And I cheer for her now that she’s got her family and they’re moving out from under the foolishness. Good on them. #Megxit pic.twitter.com/2v5Jfi9TAl

— Your Legal Soapiness (@Sudsssy) January 10, 2020

This means Beyoncé and Meghan are gonna hang out and have play dates with the kids now. We’re all stanning. pic.twitter.com/ajVqhWV22p

— buttermilk baby (@jayintheway) January 10, 2020

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are doing everything they can to ensure #TheCrownNetflix has more seasons.

— Anu Menon (@ExLolaKutty) January 10, 2020

meghan leaving the royal family like : #Megxit pic.twitter.com/a6i8HCmiIO

— important tweets (@imp0rtanttweets) January 10, 2020