Serena Williams Reportedly Shelled Out $200,000 for Meghan Markle’s Lavish New York Baby Shower

Meghan Markle may officially be the Duchess of Sussex, but just because she’s part of the royal family now doesn’t mean she wants to miss out on any American traditions. We’re talking about a baby shower.

Yes, you may already know that Markle was in New York this week for what was supposed to be a secret baby shower. As a baby shower present, one of Markle’s friends flew her in on a private jet, which reportedly cost about $100,000 for the trip.

Markle was in town for a 5-day trip where she was spotted out in the city with some of her old friends, and she was even seen shopping for her baby.

The shower was held at the Mark hotel in New York City’s Upper East Side. Serena Williams organized the shower including the location. She booked the most expensive hotel room in the United States, the Mark’s penthouse suite. This suite encompasses two floors, has 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and a rooftop terrace for a whopping price tag of $75,000 per night.

Amal Clooney co-hosted the even with Williams. Other baby shower guests included Abigail Spencer (one of Markle’s friends and former co-stars from “Suits”), Lindsay Roth (a college friend), Jessica Mulroney (the Duchess’s former stylist), Daniel Martin (who did Markle’s wedding makeup), Misha Nonoo, Priyanka Chopra, Markus Anderson and Gayle King. Yes, journalist and Oprah’s friend, Gayle King.

On “CBS This Morning,” King talking a little bit about Markle’s baby shower. Watch the video below to hear what she has to say about the gifts.

While we may not know for sure what gifts Markle received, a Babyletto 3-in-1 Hudson crib was reportedly seen being delivered to the Mark hotel before the shower.

You may be wondering why Markle’s new sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, wasn’t at the shower. Baby showers are apparently a U.S. tradition, and the British Royal Family considers them taboo. However, there isn’t any protocol regarding baby showers, so Markle did not need the Queen’s permission to have one.

This will most likely be Markle’s last trip to the U.S. before her baby is born. The little prince or princess is expected to arrive in April.

Meghan and Harry will be heading off on a work trip to Morocco. This will be Markle’s last trip before the baby arrives. When they return back to London, there is expected to be another, smaller baby shower.

What kinds of presents did you receive at your baby shower?