Bumping along! Meghan pals throw a baby party
THE Duchess of Sussex relaxed with her closest friends at a “baby shower” in the US yesterday, where she celebrated the upcoming birth of her first child.
Seven months pregnant but still able to fly, Meghan was joined by about 15 friends for the traditional American party for a mum-to-be.
At the gathering at a hotel on New York’s Upper East Side, the 37-year-old was given presents for her baby.
The ritual usually involves talk of names, but Meghan and Prince Harry have said they do not want to know the sex of their unborn baby.
Gifts including a £300 Hudson crib were seen being taken in to the hotel.
One source said: “Meghan wanted to share her special time with those friends who have been with her through thick and thin. She was desperate for them all to get together and have some girly time away from the guys.
“They have spoilt her rotten while she has been over. They are all so excited and cannot wait for the baby to arrive.”
Former Suits actress Meghan looked every inch the star as she stepped out in a black shortsleeved tunic with skinny jeans and a nude Caroline Herrera bag. The baby shower, organised by Jessica Mulroney – her friend and unofficial stylist – was attended by celebrity pals including her former Suits costar Abigail Spencer. Meghan is said to have enjoyed a shopping trip while also joining Jessica at French luxury bakery Laduree for tea in a private room.
Most airlines allow women to fly up to their 37th week of pregnancy, often with a medical note to say they and the baby are in good health. Meghan – who is expected to hold a smaller baby shower in Britain later this month – will jet to Morocco this week for a three-day tour of the North African country with Harry, 34.
Back in Britain, the Duke of Sussex served up hot food for hungry children at a youth centre in south London.
He was joined by Chuka Umunna, who quit Labour with six colleagues on Monday, during a half-term visit to a youth centre in the MP’s Streatham constituency.
Harry served pasta, garlic bread and salad after watching children enjoy trampolining and jiu-jitsu sessions.
“It’s getting cold”, he told them. “You need good food guys, you’re growing.”
He told a meeting for the charity Street-Games, that he hoped people were “becoming more and more aware” of the difficulties faced by poorer families in school holidays.