A tiny detail on a necklace worn by Meghan Markle in 2016 was reportedly an early issue in the former Suits actress' relationship with the royal family.
According to a new 'bombshell' biography, Meghan was photographed wearing a gold necklace with the letters 'H' and 'M' at the start of her relationship with Prince Harry - a move that was frowned upon for "encouraging" the paparazzi.
Finding Freedom, written by royal commentators Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, claims the photo prompted a call from a royal aide that left Meghan "frustrated and emotional".
"While she knew the aide had good intentions, the surreal experience of having someone from her boyfriend's office tell her what kind of jewelry to wear or not to smile at a photographer was too much," an excerpt from the book published by People read.
The book claims Meghan felt "damned if she did and damned if she didn't", later calling a friend to complain: "I can't win".
"They make out like I'm to blame for these pictures, that it looks like I'm encouraging them, that me even acknowledging the cameras may not be sending the right message," Meghan allegedly said to her confidant.
"I don't know what to say. It was only yesterday that people online were saying I look miserable in pictures, because I was trying to just ignore the [photographer]."
The claim about Meghan's necklace is one of many to come from Finding Freedom, prompting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to release a statement insisting they did not contribute to the book in any way.
