When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. The Duchess of Sussex’s closest friends organised a baby shower ahead of the birth of her and Prince Harry’s first child in April or May. But the celebration, which many believe is an American tradition, has a number of historic links with royals. Baby showers date back to the reign of Queen Victoria, when women would hold parties with gifts for new mothers. And Meghan is following in Kate’s footsteps, whose sister Pippa planned a baby shower for her before she gave birth to Prince George in 2013. Speaking at the time, an insider said: "A baby shower wouldn't normally happen if you're in the royal family, but there is now a modern way of thinking.” During her secret trip to the US, pregnant Meghan has been spotted out and about in the Big Apple. On Saturday, she enjoyed macarons at Ladurée in SoHo with close pal Jessica Mulroney.<doc-sep>Five days and an estimated £325,000 later, the Duchess of Sussex has returned from what can only be described the mother of all baby showers. Occupying the most expensive and largest hotel suite in America on New York’s swanky Upper East side, the celebrations included a performance by Kanye West’s favourite harpist, a candy floss machine and £150 steaks. What had been billed as a “private, low key” affair appeared to take on a life of its own after “sources close to the duchess” tipped off American magazines that they would be descending on The Mark - which unashamedly describes itself as “NYC’s most boldly lavish hotel”. Tennis star Serena Williams was already in situ ahead of Wednesday’s afternoon soirée in the £57,000 a night penthouse suite; a two-floor set of rooms boasting five bedrooms, two bars, a conservatory, a library and a terrace so large it hosts small weddings. The seven-time Wimbledon winner, worth a rumoured £140 million, is thought to have footed the bill (no word yet on whether she wangled any freebies or a discount in return for the global publicity). Designed by Valentino’s favourite interiors man Jacques Grange, with ebony fittings and fine Italian linens, Meghan spent six nights in a more modest, two-bedroom suite on the 10th floor at a cost of £15,312 a night in what was described as her “last hurrah” before joining the royal matriarchy.<doc-sep>Meghan Markle baby shower: FREE now and never miss the top Royal stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Meghan Markle: Duchess steps out to attend baby shower Meghan Markle was busy celebrating her baby shower in New York City on Wednesday where her closest friends gathered for the official celebrations. The baby shower took place at The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side. Some of the guests were pictured arriving on Wednesday afternoon including Amal Clooney, wife of George Clooney, who attended Meghan and Harry’s wedding last May. The human rights lawyers was sporting a red jumpsuit by Sergio Hudson under a dark coat, paired with gold stiletto heels. She was joined by her bodyguard who carried in two large multi coloured gift bags with animals on them. Meghan’s close stylist friend Misha Nonoo arrived carrying a large white gift bag and wearing a long coat as she hurried inside The Mark Hotel. Actress Abigail Spencer who starred in Suits with Meghan arrived with a suitcase in tow and carrying a large brown bag. Meghan Markle baby shower: Amal Clooney arrived at the baby shower in a glamorous red jumpsuit Meghan Markle baby shower: Misha Nonoo arrive at Meghan Markle's baby shower carrying a gift bag The pair spent Tuesday together where they were pictured heading out to have lunch at The Surrey Hotel. Other guests pictured arriving at the hotel on Wednesday include Meghan’s make-up artist and friend Daniel Martin who did the Duchess’ make-up on her wedding day. He was dressed in a casual outfit, with a backpack slung over his shoulder and a sweater which appeared to read ‘Thank you for being a friend.’ Meghan’s wedding hairstylist, Serge Normant, arrived at The Mark carrying a large orange gift bag. Meghan Markle baby shower: Abigail Spencer arriving at the baby shower on Wednesday Meghan Markle baby shower: Jessica Mulroney is seen arriving at The Mark Hotel Meghan Markle baby shower: Meghan’s wedding hairstylist Serge Normant arriving armed with a gift One of Meghan’s friends from Northwestern University, Lindsay Roth arrived at the Upper East Hotel carrying a yellow gift bag. The Duchess of Sussex’s best friend Jessica Mulroney was also spotted entering the hotel. CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King arrived to the shower as snow began to fall in New York City. Markus Anderson was pictured with Meghan on Tuesday night as they arrived at Ralph Lauren’s restaurant The Polo Bar. Meghan Markle baby shower: Meghan and Markus Anderson had dinner at Ralph Lauren’s restaurant Meghan Markle baby shower: Meghan's make-up artist Daniel Martin arriving at the shower And tennis star was also part of the outing on Tuesday evening before she posted a selfie from inside The Mark on Wednesday. A source told Harper’s Bazaar that Markle’s trip to NYC was planned months ago. “The trip is a lovely chance to catch up with friends and spend time in a city she loves,” the source said. “This will be the last time a lot of them will see Meg until after the baby is born so it’s nice to share precious moments.” Meghan Markle baby shower: Meghan leaving her hotel in New York after her baby shower<doc-sep>
In just a couple short months (April-ish, to be exact), Suits-star-turned-LITERAL-DUCHESS Meghan Markle will welcome her first royal baby into the world. And yup, she and Prince Harry are in full-blown preparation mode as they pick their hospital, find a doula, and prepare their new home—the hilariously named Frogmore Cottage—for their little one's arrival. But, like...what about a baby shower? Is Meghan having one? Will the Queen be invited? WHAT! IS! HAPPENING! Okay, so it turns out the ~royal protocol~ around baby showers is pretty weird, so let's get right into it. Royals Typically Don't Have Baby Showers Actually, baby showers aren't really a Thing in England at all; they've apparently only just started to catch on. But even if they were a Thing, the royals (except Meghan...) would almost definitely opt out. Why? Well, because, as royal reporter Victoria Arbiter puts it, there's "added pressure that they are clearly very wealthy, and a lavish baby shower would be seen as highly inappropriate. There's nothing they can't go out and buy themselves." Right. Fair. Giphy But, What About Kate Middleton? NOPE! Kate didn't have baby showers for any of her three children, despite rumors that Pippa Middleton threw her one for Prince Louis' birth. Fine, But Will Meghan Bend the Rules? Looks like it! First of all, Meghan is from America where baby showers are pretty common. Second of all, she technically isn't throwing one for herself. Her friends are reportedly doing the honors—and they aren't necessarily asking for the Queen's permission. Giphy Page Six reports that Meghan's shower is going down February 19 in NYC and is being hosted by her best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney. The party will take place at a hotel on the Upper East Side, and there will be just 15 guests. It's unclear who made the cut, but rumored attendees are Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, Lindsay Roth (a friend from college), designer Misha Nonoo, and Suits stars Sarah Rafferty and Abigail Spencer. And before you ask: No, the Queen is not going...but do you think Kate Middleton will show up? Vote about this very important issue right here: Mehera Bonner Mehera Bonner is a news writer who focuses on celebrities and royals.