A friend told The Sun: "A dim view was taken of this, as Piers has clashed with Meghan and Harry in the past.

"Eugenie has been supportive of Harry and Meghan for years and was right there at the beginning of their relationship — but it has now soured."

And Mr Morgan has now confirmed the claims on his Piers Morgan Uncensored programme and said the duke went "ballistic" over the incident.

He said in the show: "That [Harry cutting ties with Eugenie] was because of me.

"She was having lunch with me and a group of people in a pub in London.

"And I was seen hugging them goodbye and Harry saw this and went completely ballistic.

"I can confirm that is entirely true. Because he couldn't bear it."

The Duke of Sussex has been contacted for comment.