Meghan Markle Defends 2019 Baby Shower Amidst Criticism

Meghan Markle has recently opened up about her 2019 baby shower, reflecting on the criticism she faced over the extravagant event.

Back in February 2019, Meghan, who was then pregnant with her and Prince Harry's son Archie, made a surprise trip to New York City for the baby shower.

The celebration took place at the luxurious Mark Hotel in Manhattan and boasted a star-studded guest list.

However, despite the joyous occasion, Meghan has always been puzzled by the intense scrutiny from both the public and the palace.

During the Netflix series, Meghan expressed her confusion over the backlash, stating that the baby shower was organized by her friends who paid for it themselves.

She questioned why such a beautiful moment was being attacked, emphasizing that the press had no right to tear it down.

But this raises the question: who leaked the information to the media in the first place?

How did they know about Meghan's plans and whereabouts?

This suggests that Meghan herself may have intentionally planted the news, seeking attention and association with influential figures in a public forum.

Furthermore, Meghan deliberately chose to enter the hotel through the main entrance, contrary to the common practice of high-profile individuals entering through the back.

According to Tom Bower's book, Serena Williams' publicists, under the instruction of Sunshine Sachs, organized the baby shower.

In return, Serena was guaranteed the opportunity to promote her clothing line.

Essentially, every guest received some form of PR or career perk in exchange for their participation.

This indicates that Meghan viewed her role as a royal duchess more as a means to attain celebrity status rather than focusing on her royal duties.

Patrick Jeffs, Diana's long-time private secretary, referred to the reported $500,000 baby shower as excessive.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward described the event as “trashy,” highlighting the extravagant guest list and swanky location.

She mentioned how the attendees, including Gayle King from CBS, Serena Williams, and Amal Clooney, entered through the front entrance, attracting crowds due to their celebrity status.

On the other hand, Dickie Arbiter, the late Queen's press secretary until 2000, commented that baby showers are not a common tradition in the UK, emphasizing that Meghan's American background influenced her choice to have one.

He also remarked on the event's excessive expenses and Meghan's American way of doing things.

In a recent episode of Harry and Meghan, Meghan shared never-before-seen photos from her star-studded baby shower in New York City.

The pictures showcased the A-list group, including Serena Williams, placing their hands on Meghan's baby bump and gathering on the couch for a photo.

Meghan herself was seen wearing a navy blue sleeveless dress adorned with white polka dots.

Despite the criticism and controversy surrounding Meghan Markle's 2019 baby shower, she continues to defend the event as a cherished moment shared with close friends.

While opinions may differ on the lavishness of the occasion, Meghan's perspective sheds light on her desire to celebrate the impending arrival of her first child in her own unique way.