Meghan Markle has always been a fiercely private person, but a throwback photo shared by her family appears to have left the Duchess of Sussex red-faced.

A controversial photo of Meghan Markle, described by sources as one she “never wanted the world to see,” was unearthed by her own family prior to an explosive interview.

The snap from the past, shared by her family, which captured the Duchess of Sussex at an unspecified event, went viral on social media in the run-up to a sensational tell-all with 7NEWS Australia last year.

In the allegedly contentious image, Meghan is depicted wearing a low-cut white shirt with a serviette tucked into it.

Her hair, tied back in a casual bun with tendrils framing her face, and a spread of dishes laid out before her, suggests she might have been dining out at the time.

An old picture of a young Meghan Markle

The photograph was circulated on platform X by journalist Taylor Auerbach, who made the claim it was an image Meghan “never wanted the world to see”. Subsequent to the revelation, Auerbach has since deleted his online posts featuring the picture.

During the candid 7NEWS Australia interview, numerous other rare photographs of the Duchess during her early years were disclosed.

Topics touched upon included her dynamic with Prince Harry and conjectures about where her life would have led “without her dad”.

A stark remark from her sister Samantha in the interview teaser proclaimed, “She would still be a waitress if it wasn’t for dad.”

Moreover, Samantha commented on Meghan’s union with Harry, branding it: “They’re unhealthy for each other. This is a toxic relationship.”