Queen Elizabeth II has formally approved the law facilitating Britain’s departure from the European Union at the end of this month.

With the head of state’s ceremonial approval of the withdrawal legislation, Britain can finally leave the EU after years of bickering and three delays.

Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans confirmed the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act had received royal assent in a short announcement to the Commons.

The Brexit bill still needs to be ratified by the EU but is expected to do so in time for the UK to leave as planned at 11pm on January 31.