As the vote to leave the EU filtered through Britain, it took most British senior politicians a long time to speak publicly, and - except for Leave campaigner and UKIP leader Nigel Farage - just as long to Tweet.
The BBC's Lyse Doucet said dramatic political change was often described as an earthquake ... this is truly one with many possible aftershocks.
ITV's Political Editor Robert Peston: "Brace yourself for political and financial tumult like little we have ever witnessed. Expect Bank of England to step in."
"I've never wanted magic more," tweeted anti-Brexit Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
Reaction in EU countries has been mixed.
Both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain, which means they're now talking about their future.
The British pound dropped sharply as results came in.
But for some Kiwis, there's a silver lining.
Not everyone though.