Inside Meghan Markle’s star-studded baby shower: new photos
Meghan Markle shared never-before-seen photos of her star-studded baby shower in New York City in a new episode of “Harry & Meghan.”
The Duchess of Sussex’s shower, which was held at The Mark Hotel in February 2019 prior to the arrival of her first child, Archie, featured a bouquet-making station, games and more.
In other photos, the A-list group, which included Serena Williams, placed their hands on Meghan’s baby bump and gathered on the couch for a photo.
For the special occasion, Meghan wore a navy blue sleeveless dress with white polka dots.
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However, the “Suits” alum faced severe criticism for the lavish affair, with insiders telling Page Six at the time that the Palace despised the ordeal.
“This is a clear sign that Meghan thinks that being a royal Duchess is about celebrity — not royalty,” Patrick Jephson, Diana’s longtime private secretary, said of the reported $500,000 baby shower.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward described the 2019 affair as “trashy” with its starry guest list and swanky location. Now, Meghan is using her Netflix docuseries to defend the event.
“My girlfriends surprised me with a really beautiful baby shower in New York. They’re like, ‘We’re going to shower her with love. We’re going to shower her baby. … We’re gonna get through this,’” Meghan, 41, recalled.
The actress explained that she didn’t understand the backlash because her friends had thrown the affair with their “own money.”
“These strong, successful, independent women choose to use their own money — and it’s not taxpayer money— to throw a party for their friend from a place of love,” Meghan explained. “Why are you taking such a beautiful moment and trying to ruin it?”
Meghan delivered Archie in May 2019. She and Prince Harry went on to welcome daughter Lilibet in June 2021.