Meghan Markle's Seating Request Rejected By NYC Restaurant, Report Claims

Meghan Markle allegedly made a special request to a restaurant in New York City where she and Prince Harry dined with friends but was rejected, a report has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew to the Big Apple this week for the United Nations General Assembly to mark Nelson Mandela Day on Monday.

Hours after Prince Harry gave a speech at the U.N., the couple dined at Chef Andrew Carmellini's Tribeca hotspot, Locanda Verde, where Markle allegedly acted "like a princess," Page Six reported, citing an unnamed eyewitness.

Markle allegedly asked the restaurant "to have the entire inner outdoor courtyard – which seats 50 – for herself and four people, including Prince Harry," one anonymous source told the outlet. However, the eatery's owners reportedly turned down her request because it had been reserved for a birthday party for 15 people.

"[The owners] refused to bounce the party out of the space … they told [Meghan] she'd need to sit inside, which she did," the source claimed.

The eyewitness told the outlet that there was "lots and lots of security" all throughout the eatery and that the royal couple and their friends were not in a private room but were instead "seated in the middle of the busy restaurant."

Reps for the restaurant and Markle did not comment on her seating request, according to Page Six. However, another unnamed source told the outlet that the duchess' team only "requested a specific table in the dining room."

For their meal, the couple ordered the Sardinian sheep's milk ricotta, steak tartare, Piemontese, ravioli and a few other dishes, along with red wine, according to the eyewitness.

Other patrons dining in the restaurant at the time were allegedly informed by the Sussexes' security team that they would be "asked to leave" if they tried to take photos of Prince Harry and Markle, the source added.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly in "great spirits" as they dined with another couple who seemed to be their close pals.

Markle and Prince Harry also reportedly talked to several of their fellow patrons at the restaurant, including a person celebrating their birthday at a nearby table.

"There was a random birthday celebration at the table next to theirs," the insider told the outlet. "Meghan went up to them with Harry and said, 'I wish you the happiest birthday,' to the table next to her. They were all dumbfounded and just said, 'Thank you so much.'"

Influencer Meredith Schott was hosting a birthday dinner for celebrity stylist Walter Harvin at the restaurant, and Markle reportedly "complimented him on his Rick Owens pants," according to eyewitnesses.

Photos published by Page Six showed Prince and Markle leaving the eatery hand-in-hand after their meal. The former actress smiled for the photographers, while her husband had a more serious expression on his face as they headed to their car.

For the outing, Markle wore a chic black and white jumpsuit, black stilettos and a red clutch. She accessorized with dainty gold earrings, her $350,000 trilogy engagement ring and wedding band, and Princess Diana's $23,000 Cartier Tank Watch, Daily Mail reported.

Prince Harry opted for a more casual outfit, sporting jeans and a blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.