The U.K. finally goes through with Brexit

An image of the clock face of Big Ben was projected on 10 Downing Street, residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as Britain officially left the European Union at 11 p.m. London time.

Why it matters: "In its biggest shift since losing its global empire, [the U.K. turns] its back after 47 years on the post-World War Two project that sought to build the ruined nations of Europe into a global power," Reuters writes.

• "Brexit parties were held in some pubs and social clubs as well as in London's Parliament Square [below], as the country counted down." (BBC)

Go deeper:

• Bank of England holds interest rates steady before Brexit
• Boris Johnson: U.K. has crossed the Brexit finish line now bill is ratified