Jeremy Clarkson Criticizes Duchess of Sussex's Extravagant Baby Shower
Meghan Markle's approach to certain aspects of royal life, such as hosting a lavish baby shower and using a private jet, has sparked differing opinions within the Royal Household regarding what is deemed appropriate for a royal family member. The Duchess of Sussex traveled to New York by private jet for a star-studded celebration with her celebrity friends before the birth of her son, Archie. However, as reported by the Mirror, Meghan was not the first royal to engage in such pre-birth festivities; the Princess of Wales had a baby shower before Prince George's birth in 2013.
The Telegraph notes that Kate Middleton’s baby shower was approved by the Queen and organized by her sister, Pippa Middleton. Royal commentator Omid Scobie, speaking during the Channel 4 documentary 'A Very Royal Baby: From Cradle to Crown,' recalled that some within the Palace were unsettled by Meghan's event, stating, "I remember speaking to a palace aide at the time who rolled their eyes. They were horrified that something so common was happening within the House of Windsor. We had never seen someone throw this very lavish affair to celebrate the impending arrival of a baby."
Nevertheless, another Palace aide denied any notion of discontent within royal circles, stating, "It's not something that's frowned upon, nor is it an Americanisation because baby showers are very common in the UK."
Jeremy Clarkson is among Meghan's critics, calling her 2019 baby shower "stupid" and "unroyal." In his column for The Sunday Times, Clarkson did not mince words, reflecting on changing public perceptions and noting, "The Duchess of Sussex was criticised for taking a private jet to attend her baby shower in New York. And not just because a baby shower is a stupid, unroyal thing to do."
Clarkson is not alone in his criticism. The following month, Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's former press secretary, highlighted that such celebrations are more typical of American customs and contrast with traditional British royal practices. Speaking to US Weekly, he explained, "Baby showers, it's very much an American thing. We don't do it here in the UK."
It is understood that Meghan's private jet was courtesy of George and Amal Clooney. Nonetheless, a former royal aide suggested that choosing the jet was not the wisest decision for someone of royal status, as reported by the Express. "It was a bit over the top in terms of expense and the way she got there. Meghan is American, and she does things the American way," he added.
The extravagant baby shower was hosted at The Mark's exclusive penthouse suite, with a staggering nightly rate of £57,000 ($75,000). The event was attended by celebrities, including tennis star Serena Williams, Meghan's former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, fashion expert Jessica Mulroney, and renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.
