A LONGTIME friend of Meghan Markle has rubbished claims she wanted air fresheners to cover the "musty smell" of St George's Chapel ahead of her wedding.

Last year, rumours emerged that the 37-year-old asked for atomisers to fill the Windsor Castle chapel before guests arrived because she didn't "like its smell".

Now, according to People, one friend has called the claims "outrageous" revealing Meghan would "never ask for that".

“I can’t think of anything more ridiculous," the friend told People.

"If people knew how spiritual she is and how serious and respectful she takes her relationship with God - she would never ask for something like that.

“She and Harry are both very grounded."

"She has a firm understanding of the things she can and can’t control. And she tries not to put any effort into the things she can’t control," the pal continued.

The bizarre claims emerged in the autumn last year, just six months after Meghan's wedding to 34-year-old Prince Harry, when a source told the Daily Mail that Palace staff were left astounded at the duchess' requests.

"Apparently Meghan didn't like the smell of the chapel, which as you would expect, is a little musty. It's not unpleasant at all though," claimed the source.

"Meghan wanted staff to go around with these atomisers, like spritzer guns, and spray the chapel with scent before anyone arrived."

Yesterday, Meghan's half-sister Samantha Markle slammed the duchess after other pals tried to stick up for the mum-to-be.

Five friends claim that Meghan wrote to dad Thomas Markle after her wedding - which he had missed - in an attempt to rebuild their relationship, reports People.

According to the friend, he responded by asking for a photoshoot with her and did not respond to text messages.

After the story was released, Samantha tweeted: "This article is total bulls*** there are plenty of text messages and receipts to prove otherwise. Stop the PR c**p."