Meghan Markle’s NYC Baby Shower Was Like a Royal Wedding Reunion, Friend Says

Before jetting off to Morocco for three days with Prince Harry on what may be the couple’s last tour before welcoming their first child together, Meghan Markle made time for something quite special. Last week she jetted over to New York City for a baby shower that was thrown by close friends who have been there for her and wanted to help celebrate this impending bundle of joy.

The guest list for the lavish bash — which took place at The Mark Hotel — featured celebrities like Amal Clooney and Serena Williams as well as besties like Jessica Mulroney, Misha Nonoo and Abigail Spencer to name a few. If these names sound familiar, there’s a good reason for that. It’s because many of them were guests at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s nuptials last May.

“It was exactly what she needed, and it was a reunion for all of us, too, who hadn’t seen each other since the wedding,” Daniel Martin, the former Suits star’s pal who was also her makeup artist when she and Harry tied the knot, told People. “Snow was falling outside, and it was so cozy — we all sat on couches or on the floor and told stories and caught up. It was like going to a family reunion.”

Kate Middleton missed out on the fun by staying behind in the U.K., giving Meghan the opportunity to see folks she doesn’t get to see in her life in London. As for Prince William, a former royal butler believes the Duke of Cambridge won’t be thrilled with the extravagant festivities. Even Queen Elizabeth might be having a few thoughts about how Meghan broke royal protocol for this bash.

As for how Meghan’s friends will welcome the newest addition to the royal family? Martin said that the baby “is going to be loved by all of us.” Aww!