Meghan Markle spotted after making extraordinary statement

Markle has been seen for the first time since she fired back at King Charles in an unprecedented move.

Meghan Markle stepped out for the first time since she made an extraordinary statement in response to reports she rejected an invite to the King’s birthday, laying the blame on Charles.

The former Suits actress was seen rocking her signature neutral colours as she headed out in Santa Barbara on Friday flashing a big smile, clearly unperturbed by the controversy surrounding the statement she released with her husband, Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle was seen for the first time on Fridat after she and Prince Harry released a statement regarding King Charles. Picture from BACKGRID.

Markle, who wore a poppy to commemorate Veteran’s Day, appeared all smiles as she met up with a friend for lunch. Picture from BACKGRID.

Markle also made sure to honour Veteran’s Day by pinning an enamel poppy brooch on her sweater as she strutted around the streets in the sunshine.

She was photographed outside Italian restaurant Pane e Vino with her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, before later being seen shopping at clothing boutique Wendy Foster.

Clearly upbeat, Markle appeared to have shrugged off the backlash surrounding the couple’s statement that appeared to throw Charles under the bus.

Markle felt compelled to release one after The Sunday Times claimed that the Duke of Sussex had rejected the King’s olive branch offer, which would have seen him – and possibly his wife – reunite with his family for an intimate celebration at Clarence House on November 14.

However, the Sussex’s spokesman subsequently released a statement, pointedly remarking that they were actually left off the guest list entirely.

“In response to UK media headlines, there has been no contact regarding an invitation to his majesty’s upcoming birthday,” Ashley Hansen told New York Post.

“It is disappointing the Sunday Times has misreported this story.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently stepped out ahead of Remembrance Day for the opening of a US Navy SEALs fitness centre. Picture from Twitter.

The alleged snub followed reports in September that the King had extended an offer for Harry to visit him in Balmoral during his son’s fly-in, fly-out visit to the UK. However, Harry – who was already in the UK for the annual WellChild Awards in London – reportedly turned him down, instead spending the September 8 anniversary of the late Queen’s death alone before heading to Germany for the Invictus Games.

Meanwhile, details of the couple’s unexpected phone conversation with King Charles this week after months of silence have been revealed.

According to a report by The Sun, the couple broke six months of stone-cold silence between themselves and the royal family, public statements aside, to wish Charles a happy 75th birthday this week.

“The King was extremely busy but is polite and loves his son and his grandchildren, and not so mean that he would not take a call on his birthday,” said an insider.