Meghan Markle's lavish baby shower hotel revealed
The Duchess of Sussex's friends have gone to great lengths to ensure she has the perfect celebration of her forthcoming royal baby, by hosting a baby shower in New York. Meghan's best friends including stylist Jessica Mulroney and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer are set to host the special occasion at The Mark Hotel in New York's Upper East Side, ahead of her due date in April.
Hundreds of flowers including pink roses and colourful yellow and orange tulips were seen being delivered to the five-star hotel on Tuesday, which many believed to be in honour of the royal celebration. However, it has since been revealed that they are part of the hotel decoration and not specifically for Meghan's baby shower.
An orange tree was delivered to Meghan's baby shower venue on Tuesday
The intimate event will reportedly take place in the penthouse of the hotel, which spans two floors and has five bedrooms, six bathrooms and two powder rooms, offering plenty of space for Meghan's guests, who are expected to include Serena Williams and Amal Clooney. The lavish penthouse reportedly costs $75,000 a night and has breathtaking views over nearby Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.
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Although Meghan is not believed to have stayed at the hotel before, other celebrities known to have stayed there include Anna Wintour, Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Gisele Bündchen. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant – Jean-Georges – is another popular celebrity haunt.
The event is being held at The Mark hotel
Meghan has been in New York for the past few days, and enjoyed a catch up with some of her closest friends in the city on Tuesday. However, the Duchess was forced to abandon her lunch at a New York restaurant after just 15 minutes. A source told HELLO! that Meghan stepped out for a bite to eat with her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer at the Flora Bar inside the Met Breuer museum – but left shortly afterwards. The pair were sat at a window table and it's thought they felt it wasn't private enough - so they instead headed to the Surrey Hotel. They were later seen at Café Boulud inside the venue, seated at the back where it was quieter.
A crib was delivered ahead of Meghan's baby shower
Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland, pictured, as she stepped out for a short walk with her pooch on Tuesday morning in LA.
Crowds waited outside The Mark hotel
Serena Williams, pictured, close behind Meghan Markle as they both returned to their New York hotel
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My view: Meghan looked good and happy, as she stepped out with her friends including Serena Williams. But I wonder why her mother Doria didn't attend the baby shower? Also her BFF Priyanka Chopra did not attend as well. That she hasn’t built any close friendships in London, even with Kate Middleton makes it feel quite sad, but wouldn’t it be lovely if she also made a friend or two?, she must be very difficult to please.