Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys decision to step back as senior members of the royal family has drawn praise from many people on social media, with some calling out the British tabloid press pattern of racist coverage targeting the Duchess of Sussex.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on Wednesday via their official Sussex Royal account that they plan to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen, the statement read.

The announcement sent shock waves around the globe, sparking wide-ranging reactions from people on social media.