Meghan Markle Defends 2019 Baby Shower Amid Criticism

Meghan Markle recently spoke out in defense of her 2019 baby shower, reflecting on the backlash she received for the extravagant event.

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

The lavish celebration took place at the Mark Hotel in Manhattan and boasted a guest list filled with notable personalities.

Despite the grandeur of the occasion, Meghan expressed bewilderment at the intense scrutiny the event faced from both the public and the palace.

During a segment on the Netflix series, Meghan questioned the motives behind the relentless criticism, asking why such a beautiful moment had to be tarnished.

She emphasized that her friends had funded the event themselves, asserting that the media had no grounds to disparage it.

However, the question arises: how did the news of the baby shower leak in the first place?

Without someone tipping off the media, details of Meghan's private event would not have surfaced.

This raises speculation about Meghan's intentions—did she orchestrate the publicity to elevate her status and garner attention?

Adding to the intrigue, Meghan and her guests opted to enter the hotel through the main entrance, a departure from the customary practice for high-profile individuals who typically use the back entrance for discretion.

According to revelations from Tom Bower's book, Serena Williams' publicists collaborated with Sunshine Saks to orchestrate the baby shower.

In exchange for their involvement, Serena was promised opportunities to promote her clothing line.

Allegedly, each guest received some form of PR exposure or career benefits as part of boosting Meghan's image in the US, positioning her for a potential return.

Critics have seized upon the baby shower as evidence that Meghan prioritizes celebrity over royal duties.

Patrick Jeffs, along with Diana's longtime private secretary, scrutinized the reported $500,000 event, while royal biographer Ingrid Seward labeled it as ostentatious, citing the star-studded attendance and upscale setting.

Ingrid vividly described the scene of celebrities parading through the hotel's front entrance, laden with bags from luxury boutiques, drawing crowds with their high-profile presence.

In contrast to American customs, Dickie Arbiter, the former press secretary for the late Queen until 2000, remarked on the novelty of baby showers in the UK, highlighting the perceived extravagance of Meghan's affair.

He noted that Meghan's American background influenced her approach, leading her to embrace traditions not commonly observed in British royal circles.

Meghan herself shared exclusive snapshots from the memorable baby shower, showcasing moments with A-list guests like Serena Williams, capturing heartfelt interactions and joyful embraces.

The photos unveiled a glimpse into the glamorous event, with the luminaries placing their hands on Meghan's baby bump and posing together on the couch.

For the occasion, Meghan exuded elegance in a navy blue sleeveless dress adorned with white polka dots, epitomizing her signature style.