Meghan Markle had a “hectic” night out with golfer Rory McIlroy, a new tell-all book claims.
Long before she was given the title Duchess of Sussex, the then-33-year-old met the four-time Major winner while staying with a friend in New York City in 2014.
Later, during the Ice Bucket Challenge craze, he nominated his new friend who accepted if he himself poured the icy water over her head.
Afterwards, they went for dinner out at the plush Cipriani restaurant with a group of 20 friends - leading to a few drinks which ruined Rory’s game the next day.
Author Tom Bowman wrote: “She accepted the challenge, on condition that Rory came to her friend’s apartment and personally poured the bucket over her on the balcony.
"After the video was posted, the two went to the Fitzpatrick hotel for a drink.
“The following morning, McIlroy arrived at the Ringwood golf course to play in a new competition.
"Worse for wear after a hectic night, he fell back to 101st place.
“His performance suffered. ‘I wasn’t quite on my game,’ he confessed. ‘I was enjoying myself’.”
The book also contains accounts from “insiders who have never spoken before” and promises to expose the intricate web surrounding the Sussexes and their relationship with the Royal Family.
It promises to “uncover an astonishing story of love, betrayal, secrets and revenge”.
A newspaper report from the time claimed Meghan and Rory were spotted “looking very cosy”.
Mr Bower wrote Rory was “annoyed” by the article and “challenged Meghan”, who made it clear she had not betrayed him.
Biographer Tom Bower, who has been described as “pulling no punches”, reportedly spent a year collecting all the evidence and exclusive testimonies from both friends and enemies of Meghan.
The couple are said to be "dreading" its publication after the author reportedly warned Meghan that he wouldn't be silenced on the most controversial details.
Among them are claims the Queen told her aides "thank goodness Meghan's not coming" to Prince Philip's funeral.
Speaking to GB News, royal commentator Sarah Robertson said: "I mean, this book, there are so many more bombshells in it.
"But yeah, it’s going to send total shockwaves through the Royal Family – and also through the Sussex camp who have been dreading it.
"I mean Bower said: 'don’t expect to silence me' to Meghan Markle . He issued that warning.
"And has he landed a knock-out blow on her, he really has with this.
"This book is explosive. It is the book that I have been waiting for with bated breath. And I can’t wait to put my hand on the actual whole copy."
Rory McIlroy’s last Major win was in August 2014 when he won the PGA Championship.
The Northern Irishman is currently in prime position to win his fifth title, eight years on from his last, as he holds the lead of The Open ahead of Norwegian Viktor Hovland.
