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    1. Celebrity
    2. Royals

    The Queen's Former Press Secretary Called Meghan's Baby Shower "Over the Top"

    In a new interview with 'US Weekly,' the Queen's former press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, opened up about Meghan Markle's NYC baby shower—calling it "a bit over the top." Find out more details here.

    Rachel Epstein's avatar
    By Rachel Epstein
    Published 21 March 2019 In News

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    Celebrity Sightings in New York City - February 19, 2019
    (Image credit: James Devaney)
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    • In February, Meghan Markle celebrated her baby shower in NYC with close friends.
    • Though it was a private event, the Duchess was spotted hanging out with friends across the city all weekend.
    • The Queen's former press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, called the baby shower "a bit over the top."

    Last month, Meghan Markle celebrated her baby shower in NYC with some of her closest friends, including Serena Williams, Amal Clooney, Jessica Mulroney, and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer at The Mark Hotel in NYC. Royal fans were surprised to see the weekend of festivities so public, and now the Queen's former spokesperson is weighing in as well—calling the shower "over the top."

    Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's press secretary until 2000, told US Weekly, “Baby showers, it’s very much an American thing. We don’t do it here in the U.K. It was a bit over the top in terms of expense and the way she got there.”

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    Meghan and Harry's Baby Nursery Wish List 

    He continued, “Meghan is American and she does things the American way”—which, like, he's not wrong. Meghan is American, so it makes sense that she would want to follow American tradition.

    Though she originally flew to the States incognito, the Duchess didn't exactly try to hide her tea date with Mulroney, her dinner with Serena Williams, and the baby crib delivered to her as a present. It's unclear whether or not a second baby shower is still happening in London.

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    See Every Photo From Meghan Markle's Baby Shower Weekend

    Image 1 of 7
    Clothing, Eyewear, Vision care, Glasses, Trousers, Coat, Jacket, Outerwear, Jeans, Sunglasses,
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Meghan cradles her bump while making her way through the crowd.

    Jeans, Blue, Fashion, Eyewear, Footwear, Denim, Event, Shoulder, Joint, Leg,
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
    Celebrity Sightings in New York City - February 19, 2019
    (Image credit: James Devaney)
    Motor vehicle, Event, Crowd, Premiere, Eyewear, Luxury vehicle, Vehicle, Bodyguard, Car,
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Meghan makes her way to the car with paparazzi behind her.

    Street fashion, Clothing, Shoulder, Fashion, Outerwear, Hairstyle, Bag, Jeans, Snapshot, Handbag,
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Meghan leaves The Met Breuer Museum.

    Celebrity Sightings In New York City - February 19, 2019
    (Image credit: Gotham)

    Meghan and Abigail are spotted on the Upper East Side together.

    Beanie, Fashion, Event, Organ, Headgear, Interaction, Jeans, Outerwear, Knit cap, Black hair,
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Meghan meeting Serena for dinner with friend Markus Anderson at The Polo Bar.

    Image 1 of 7

    View Original

    Clothing, Eyewear, Vision care, Glasses, Trousers, Coat, Jacket, Outerwear, Jeans, Sunglasses,
    Image 2 of 7

    View Original

    Jeans, Blue, Fashion, Eyewear, Footwear, Denim, Event, Shoulder, Joint, Leg,
    Image 3 of 7

    View Original

    Celebrity Sightings in New York City - February 19, 2019
    Image 4 of 7

    View Original

    Motor vehicle, Event, Crowd, Premiere, Eyewear, Luxury vehicle, Vehicle, Bodyguard, Car,
    Image 5 of 7

    View Original

    Street fashion, Clothing, Shoulder, Fashion, Outerwear, Hairstyle, Bag, Jeans, Snapshot, Handbag,
    Image 6 of 7

    View Original

    Celebrity Sightings In New York City - February 19, 2019
    Image 7 of 7

    View Original

    Beanie, Fashion, Event, Organ, Headgear, Interaction, Jeans, Outerwear, Knit cap, Black hair,

    Either way, it's Meghan's baby and she can do what she wants. Let the Duchess live!

    For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

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    Ear, Lip, Hairstyle, Earrings, Forehead, Jewellery, Eyebrow, Style, Eyelash, Beauty,

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    Meghan Markle Is Having an NYC Baby Shower

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    Meghan Markle
    Rachel Epstein
    Rachel Epstein
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    Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop. 

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