Meghan Markle’s friends throwing baby shower for pregnant duchess in New York

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex has made a last trip to catch up with her “Team Meghan” girlfriends in New York before the arrival of her baby in the Spring.

The 37 year old is expected to attend a US-style “baby shower” party thrown for her today ahead of an official visit to Morocco at weekend with Prince Harry.

Meghan was photographed trying to keep a low profile in a long black overcoat and a large newsboy cap in contrast to the ‘beaming to camera’ look she adopts for official engagements.

She was snapped being escorted by her Scotland Yard protection officer into a waiting SUV.

It is understood that the Duchess flew to New York for the five day trip on Friday after celebrating a quiet Valentine’s Day evening with Harry.

It is the first time Meghan has been to New York since she wed Harry in May last year.

On Saturday she joined her close friend and unofficial stylist Jessica Mulroney at the luxury patisserie Ladurée in the SoHo district to enjoy macarons and tea.

Meghan has previously spoken how much she loves the ornately decorated bakery, calling it a “little slice of Paris in the middle of New York City.”

Ms Mulroney is understood to be in New York filming style segments for Good Morning America after being named as the top-rated US network show’s newest fashion contributor.

Meghan also enjoyed shopping trips in the city, and is said to have purchased new baby clothes to bring back to London.

Guests at the baby shower, organised by Ms Mulroney - daughter-in-law of the former Canadian prime minnster Brian Mulroney - are expected to include Benita Litt, whose daughters Rylan and Remi were in Meghan’s bridal party, and TV producer Lindsay Roth, for whom Meghan was maid of honour at her wedding.

The duke and duchess will arrive in the Moroccan capital Rabat on Saturday representing the Queen and carry out engagements over the weekend.

It is understood Meghan is around 30 to 32 weeks pregnant. She previously told fans she was due between late April and the beginning of May.

According to the NHS, most airlines allow expectant mothers to travel up until the 37 week mark. The NHS states it is ‘usually safe’ for pregnant women to fly.

Harry and Meghan’s visit to Morocco comes almost four decades after the Queen had what has been described as her ‘tour from hell’ in the country.

A Palace spokesman said of the trip: “The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to the visit which will highlight the vital roles that girls’ education and youth empowerment are playing in, and shaping, modern Morocco.”