Meghan Markle’s first photographed public outing since returning to Britain reportedly took an unexpected turn after claims emerged that some staff at a Cotswolds pub “refused to serve” her.

The Duchess of Sussex, 45, was reportedly seen at The Three Horseshoes in Asthall, near Burford, on September 21, during a low-key outing with longtime friends Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.

Photographs from the visit showed the group chatting and laughing together. But an allegation cited by Gloucestershire Live has since cast the pub appearance in a different light.

Staff Allegedly “Refused to Serve” Meghan

According to the report, certain members of staff at The Three Horseshoes allegedly “refused to serve” Meghan.

However, no explanation was given for the reported refusal. The supplied report also contains no response from Meghan, her representatives or the pub regarding the allegation.

As a result, it remains unclear what happened inside the venue, how many employees were allegedly involved, or what may have prompted the reported decision.

Despite the lack of further detail, the claim has attracted attention because the visit was significant in its own right: it was reportedly Meghan’s first photographed public outing since returning to the UK.

A Quiet Afternoon With Ellen DeGeneres

Meghan was reportedly accompanied by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, with the three women photographed spending time together at the pub.

She was pictured wearing a light blue shirt and white jeans, appearing to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with her friends.

The Three Horseshoes is located in Asthall, near the Cotswolds town of Burford, and the visit was described as a casual outing rather than an official engagement.

Gloucestershire Live reported that Meghan was seen “chatting and laughing” at the venue.

That seemingly ordinary scene has since attracted considerably more attention because of the allegation involving some members of staff.

Meghan’s First Public Glimpse Since Returning To Britain

The September 21 outing came after Meghan returned to Britain with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in August.

Since the family’s reported move back to the UK, Meghan had largely remained out of the public eye, making the photographs from the Cotswolds pub particularly notable.

Rather than a formal royal or charitable appearance, her first photographed outing was a private get-together with friends.

The alleged incident at The Three Horseshoes has now placed the focus on the reception she reportedly received during that visit.

For now, the circumstances remain unclear. There is no information in the report establishing why certain staff members allegedly declined to serve Meghan or how the situation was resolved.

What was intended to be a quiet afternoon with Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi has consequently become the subject of renewed attention following the unconfirmed claim about what happened inside the Cotswolds pub.