Meghan Markle 'didn't know what she was in for' and was baffled by Australia tour crowds

Meghan Markle reportedly "didn't understand what she'd let herself in for" by marrying Prince Harry and was left baffled by the enthusiasm of royal fans, a source has said.

Ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey airing today, insiders have shared what they think led to the couple's split from the royal family.

Speaking to The Times, one source said the former Suits actress "didn't get it" when frenzied crowds showed up to welcome her and Prince Harry on their royal visit to Australia.

The insider claimed that upon seeing hordes of fans waiting outside the Sydney Opera House, Meghan said to the team: “What are they all doing here? It’s silly.”

“They were like, ‘They’re here because they admire and support a monarch and an institution that you’re representing.’”

The tour, a time-honoured royal tradition dating back to 1867, saw Meghan, 39, and Harry, 36, visit Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji just one day after announcing their first pregnancy.

At the time the tour was hailed a success with huge crowds turning out eager to see the newlyweds.

The source's claims come in a busy week for the royals which has seen Meghan deny allegations that she bullied palace staff.

Last week Buckingham Palace broke from tradition to make a public statement saying it was "very concerned" about reports that Meghan had driven out two personal assistants.

The royal “bullying” saga took an astonishing twist last night as it emerged Prince William’s wife Kate could assist the probe into Meghan.

Former aides are set to claim the Duchess of Cambridge witnessed Meghan’s “challenging behaviour”.

But now Kate, 39, could be quizzed in a formal probe into alleged bullying by Duchess of Sussex Meghan.

Meanwhile sources close to Meghan and Harry have said the allegations have been timed to "undermine" their tell-all with Oprah later today.

The Duchess, in preview clips of the interview, criticised the constraints she found herself under as a working royal.

Meghan has also accused The Firm of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and Harry.

The duchess said it was "liberating" to be able to agree to the interview with the US TV host, a choice she says she was denied while representing the Crown.

Meghan's spokesperson has said she was "saddened" by the claims and said her focus now was on "building compassion around the world."

The spokesman said: “The duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.

“She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”

Ahead of the Oprah interview, Meghan's friends have come out in support of the former actress, who is expecting her second child.

Former Suits co-star Patrick Adams launched a fierce defence of 'powerful woman' Meghan and labelled the royals "toxic".