Duchess of Sussex spotted in New York City ahead of 'baby shower' with friends

The Duchess of Sussex has made a secret trip to New York City for a baby shower with friends.

Heavily-pregnant Meghan is spending five nights in the Big Apple, catching up with stylist Jessica Mulroney and other confidantes, Harper’s Bazaar revealed.

The Duchess of Sussex, arrives for her baby shower at the Mark Hotel in New York. Credit: AP

The American former Suits star is said to have visited Laduree in New York’s SoHo district on Saturday for macarons and tea.

The duchess was seen entering The Mark Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, at a restaurant on the ground floor of The Met Breuer and at The Surrey hotel.

Meghan wore sunglasses, a black William Vintage trapeze coat and neutral high heels with a matching bag.

As photographers waited outside The Mark Hotel, a high-end boxed crib and pink flowers were delivered.

Suits actress Abigail Spencer was spotted at one of the gatherings.

Meghan, who is preparing to give birth in late April or early May, spent Valentine’s Day with the Duke of Sussex last week after he rushed back to see her following a trip to Norway with the Royal Marines.

The duke and duchess are to visit Morocco in February. Credit: PA

The couple are due to visit Morocco on Saturday at the request of the British Government.

The duchess was spotted in NYC on Monday, wearing a Victoria Beckham long black wool coat and a grey Helene Berman tweed pageboy cap.

Mrs Mulroney is Meghan’s best friend and supported her in the difficult days leading up to her wedding to Harry amid the turmoil caused by the absence of her father, Thomas Markle.

Canadian fashion stylist Jessica Mulroney leaves St George’s Chapel after Harry and Meghan’s wedding. Credit: PA

Her children - twin sons Brian and John and daughter Ivy - were pageboys and bridesmaid at the royal wedding.

Meghan’s trip comes just days after five unnamed close friends of the duchess spoke to the publication People in an effort to counter the "global bullying" directed at her.

One friend challenged reports that Mr Markle has said he cannot contact his daughter, telling the magazine: "He’s never called; he’s never texted. It’s super-painful."

Mr Markle dismissed the claims and responded by revealing a deeply personal letter he received from Meghan following the wedding.

Kensington Palace declined to comment on the duchess’s break in New York.