Brexit: United Kingdom officially leaves European Union three years after Brexit referendum

It's been just a matter of hours since the United Kingdom officially left the European Union and already the country is disappearing from maps. 

The UK has officially left the European Union after 47 years of membership, making it the first nation in history to leave the now 27 member bloc. 

The historic day comes three years after the June 2016 Brexit referendum that split the nation 52 per cent to 48 per cent and led to years of bitter political debate.

MORE: What will actually change after Brexit?

The UK will now enter an 11-month transition period with the EU, remaining subject to its rules while the two sides work out the details of a future trade relationship. 

We've finished our live coverage for today, but as the clock counted down to 11pm GMT - midnight in Brussels - here's how the world's messiest divorce became reality.