Meghan Markle has complained about not being paid for a 16-day royal tour in 2018, according to a new book.
The Duchess of Sussex was travelling on her first tour with husband Prince Harry four years ago around Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand when she reportedly made the comments.
The tour was seen as a success at the time, with huge crowds gathering to see the couple across 76 engagements.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wore traditional Maori cloaks called Korowai during a visit to Te Papaiouru, Ohinemutu, in Rotorua, in 2018
Tim Rooke
But according to a new book, written by The Times’ royal correspondent Valentine Low, she did not understand the point of the royal activities despite saying she “enjoyed the attention.”
According to the book, Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind The Crown, crowds on the tour saw Meghan Markle as “an inspirational role model”.
Mr Low’s booked says: "When she turned up at the home of a farming family, she brought some banana bread that she had baked herself.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wear traditional Maori cloaks called Korowai during a visit to Te Papaiouru, Ohinemutu, in Rotorua, before a lunch in honour of Harry and Meghan, on day four of the royal couple's tour of New Zealand.
Paul Edwards/The Sun Wire
"When the couple visited a school to see the work of a programme to improve the educational outcomes of young Aboriginals, she was fêted as an inspirational role model."
But in one exert, shared by The Times, “it was a different story” when it came to the Duchess behind the scenes.
One anonymous member of staff told the author that Meghan said: “I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Redwoods Tree Walk and Mountain Biking Showcase in Rotorua, New Zealand, on day four of the royal couple's tour of New Zealand in 2018
Kirsty Wigglesworth
Despite a turbulent relationship over the past few years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other members of the royal family have been united in grief after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
This has prompted questions over the possibility of a reconciliation between Harry, his brother the Prince of Wales and their father King Charles III.
Although the duke has stepped back from royal duties and was not permitted to wear uniform on Monday, he took his place alongside William during their late grandmother’s state funeral.