Here’s Why Kate Middleton Likely Skipped Meghan Markle’s NYC Baby Shower

When Meghan Markle arrived in New York City to celebrate her first baby shower on Tuesday, February 19, she was welcomed by her closest friends at The Mark Hotel but, unfortunately, her royal sister-in-law Kate Middleton wasn’t able to make it.

According to Good Housekeeping, the Duchess of Cambridge, 37, possibly didn’t show up because the Suits alum’s party is supposedly meant for her friends who don’t see her very often and can’t afford to visit her all the time in London. But since both Kate and Meghan, 37, live at Kensington Palace together, Prince William‘s wife apparently felt that she could celebrate with Meghan at a different time.

The mother-of-three is also spending time with her kids this week as Prince George, 5, and Princess Charlotte, 3, are both on their half-term break, so they won’t be returning to school until Monday, February, 25. It’s also possible that both Meghan and Kate will have their own private baby shower celebration once the Duchess of Sussex returns to London.

Like Kate, the former actress is expected to give birth in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. A source recently told The Telegraph that the hospital’s staff is already getting things in order for the pregnant royal. “[The] staff at the Lindo Wing have been asked not to take holiday in April. Everyone thinks it’s got something to do with the royal baby but no one is confirming anything,” the insider said.

Meghan has also been keeping the gender of her baby a secret, and though she still has yet to announce if she will be having a baby boy or girl, her mom, Doria Ragland, can’t wait to welcome her grandchild. Doria “is very happy” about Meghan’s pregnancy, royal commentator Emily Nash revealed via Twitter. “[She’s] looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild.”