Meghan Markle’s decision to throw a lavish baby shower for her first child, Prince Archie, reportedly left palace aides flabbergasted, as per insights from an unofficial royal biography.
The Duchess of Sussex’s extravagant celebration was perceived by senior royal staff as nothing short of a “media circus,” which took them by surprise.
In February 2019, during the seventh month of her pregnancy, Meghan flew to New York City to host the opulent gathering at the penthouse of the Mark Hotel.
The star-studded affair attracted celebrities such as Gayle King, Jessica Mulroney, and Amal Clooney, all of whom added to the event’s glamour.
Royal author Omid Scobie, in his book *Finding Freedom*, noted that some palace personnel found this display rather unconventional for a member of the royal family.
Scobie and co-author Carolyn Durand highlighted the reaction of royal courtiers back in the UK, stating, “While Meghan enjoyed the trip, senior aides were practically spitting out their morning tea upon witnessing how her lavish baby shower transformed into a media spectacle.”
They described scenes where the Duchess was seen exiting her hotel in oversized sunglasses, accompanied by paparazzi, making it look like a carefully orchestrated photo opportunity.
The authors conveyed that certain individuals within royal circles did not appreciate the “flashiness” of the shower, saying, “The optics of the somewhat flashy shower did not resonate well with some palace insiders.” It appears that Meghan’s penchant for Hollywood-style celebrations didn’t sit comfortably with the more reserved nature associated with the monarchy.
Critics have often pointed fingers at Meghan for adopting a style deemed too extravagant, especially given the traditional demeanor expected of royal family members.
One source mentioned that some royal aides felt “disappointed” by Meghan’s choices, adding, “I think a few who had stood by her felt let down.
In this role, you can never win; there’s always criticism.”
At its core, the baby shower was simply a celebration among friends for a significant moment in Meghan’s life.
The event unfolded in New York, a city the Duchess has always cherished.
Even though the festivities weren’t funded by taxpayers, many observers accused Meghan of acting like a typical Hollywood star.
In a Channel 4 documentary titled *A Very Royal Baby: From Cradle to Crown*, Scobie recounted an interaction with a palace aide who expressed disbelief at the event’s extravagance, saying, “They were horrified that something so common was happening within the House of Windsor.”
Prince Archie, now five years old, was born on May 6, 2019, at London’s Portland Hospital, just months after the celebrated baby shower.
The royal couple made headlines again when they moved to the US the following year, aiming to carve out a quieter life away from constant scrutiny.
Since relocating, Meghan and Harry have largely shielded their children from the public eye.
However, in 2022, they delighted fans by sharing personal glimpses of Archie and his younger
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