Duchess Of Excess Meghan Rocks The Royals!

As she laps up the limelight, there’s drama back home

Looking every inch a Hollywood star, the Duchess of Sussex arrived in New York for her lavish baby shower in a flurry of camera flashes, A-list celebrities and wild expense.

A world away from the discretion and formality of palace life with husband Prince Harry, a glowing Meghan looked thrilled as she hit the Big Apple last week, her trademark protective hand resting on top of her bump as she smiled warmly at the waiting hordes of photographers.

While most royal mums-to-be opt for a modest afternoon tea to celebrate an impending arrival, the former Suits star went for something altogether more glitzy. And what a celebration it was, with guests including tennis legend Serena Williams, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, co-star Abigail Spencer and TV host Gayle King descending on the exclusive Mark Hotel, which bills itself as the city’s “most boldly lavish”.

A day earlier, dozens of roses and large orange trees were delivered to decorate the $100,000-a-night penthouse suite, with famed harpist Erin Hill also spotted entering the building.

While eyebrows were raised by the duchess’ overthe-top baby shower, which is believed to have cost an eye-watering $835,000, Woman’s Day can reveal that the former actress, 37, was unapologetic about wanting the no-expense-spared party – reportedly partly paid for by gal pal Serena.

A source close to Meghan tells us, “She loves the celebrity lifestyle that she feels she’s largely given up since marrying Harry. She also adores the Big Apple and felt it was the perfect place for a glam baby shower, so she was delighted when her friends suggested it. Meghan would never have gone in for something low-key. It’s just not her. This was her chance to live her old life again for a few days and she couldn’t have been more excited.”