The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently enjoyed a whirlwind trip to New York City, culminating in a lavish baby shower attended by some of the world’s most recognizable faces. Seven months pregnant, the Duchess took the opportunity to reconnect with her closest friends in a glamorous celebration of her impending motherhood.
Paparazzi captured exclusive photos of Meghan boarding a private Gulfstream jet for her overnight trip back home to London, a testament to the extravagance surrounding the highly exclusive event. The guest list read like a who’s who of Hollywood and high society, with an invitation being the most coveted ticket in town.
Serena Williams Hosts an Intimate Gathering at The Mark Hotel
The intimate affair, reportedly organized by tennis icon Serena Williams and a close friend, was held at The Mark Hotel’s luxurious penthouse suite. Known as a “castle in the sky,” the opulent venue provided the perfect backdrop for the star-studded gathering.
Amal Clooney, wife of actor George Clooney, was impossible to miss in a vibrant red ensemble, adding to the glamorous ambiance. Ahead of the festivities, Serena Williams took to social media, sharing selfies from the venue to promote her fashion line.
Thoughtful Gifts and a Royal Sweet Tooth
Meghan’s close friends, including actress Jessica Mulroney and stylist Jessica Maroney, joined in the celebration, arriving with an array of thoughtful gifts for the mother-to-be. From a seemingly ordinary bicycle to a beautiful harp and even a cotton candy machine, the presents catered to a range of tastes, including the Duchess’s rumored sweet tooth.
Image of gift bags
A Surprise Tribute from Music Royalty
Adding a touch of musical royalty to the occasion, Beyoncé and Jay-Z paid a special tribute to Meghan during their appearance at the BRIT Awards. The music icons saluted a portrait of the Duchess, styled as a queen, in a heartfelt recorded message.
A Week of Celebrations and Royal Duties
The baby shower served as the grand finale to Meghan’s five-day New York adventure. The Duchess filled her itinerary with lunches with friends, a dinner at the exclusive Polo Bar, and quality time with close confidante Markus Anderson, who is widely believed to have introduced Meghan and Prince Harry.
While rumors circulated that some of Meghan’s famous friends may have footed the bill for the lavish baby shower, Kensington Palace maintains that the trip was privately funded. The cost of the one-way private jet alone is estimated to be upwards of $100,000.
With the baby’s arrival just a few months away, Meghan is not shying away from her royal duties. The Duchess, accompanied by Prince Harry, is set to travel to Morocco, marking her third continent visited in less than two weeks.
