Meghan Markle Is Reportedly on a Secret Girls’ Trip to New York City for Her Baby Shower

Sound the alarms and fire up a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" because Meghan Markle is reportedly back on American soil. Reports have emerged that the Duchess of Sussex is currently in New York City for a girls' trip ahead of the birth of her and Prince Harry's first child this spring. Royal reporter Omid Scobie, who often travels with the royal couple to their official engagements, has confirmed that Markle is spending the five-night trip with her closest friends, perhaps some of those who recently spoke out in her defense.

“The trip is a lovely chance to catch up with friends and spend time in a city she loves,” a source told Harper's Bazaar of the getaway. "This will be the last time a lot of them will see Meg until after the baby is born, so it’s nice to share precious moments." Given some of the tough headlines and endless speculation about every aspect of her life, it seems like the perfect time for a well-deserved break for Markle.

So what does a royal do on a girls' trip? Sources say much of the hang time is being done in private at her five-star hotel (understandable), but Markle was spotted eating at a restaurant in Soho with her BFF, stylist Jessica Mulroney.

"It’s been a relaxing visit. Nothing beats face time with your friends," says a source. "Meg will be flying home refreshed and relaxed—and with a lot of new baby clothes."

One big reason for all those new clothes? A baby shower! Scobie reports that Markle's friends are throwing her and Baby Sussex a celebration on Tuesday for about 20 people. Showers are much more of an American tradition, so it makes sense that she's having hers on this side of the pond.

But that's not all Markle has on her plate before the next royal baby arrives: Next up is an official trip with Prince Harry to Morocco on February 23 through 25.