Meghan Markle is back on American soil this week for a special occasion that involves 15 to 20 of her closest friends. The duchess is the guest of honor for a baby shower being thrown by her bestie Jessica Mulroney.

Omid Scobie, a royal correspondent who sometimes travels with the duke and duchess, confirmed that the “secret trip” to New York was happening and the shower would be held on Tuesday. According to Scobie, the Duchess of Sussex arrived in NYC on February 15 for what was planned as a 5-day trip.

This is her first time hanging out in the city since her wedding last year, and it will be a while until she’ll be able to do it again until after the baby is born. Upon her return to England, she’ll be preparing for her last international flight pre-birth for an official visit to Morocco with Prince Harry.

Baby showers are not a tradition in the UK, but there is also no royal protocol on having one, so the Queen’s approval is not needed. It is an exciting way for Markle’s friends to celebrate the baby’s arrival – which is said to be in April – before she gets busy with mommyhood.

Watch this video to hear more about the duchess’s NY visit and her shower.

Are you surprised to hear Meghan Markle is in the U.S. for a baby shower? Did you know showers are not a tradition in the U.K.?