The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly enjoying lunch with a friend in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan on Saturday and will be getting a baby shower before heading back to London.

• Feb 19, 2019

AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle has made a secret trip to New York. The pregnant British royal reportedly flew from London to the Big Apple on Friday, February 15 for a five-night stay, marking her first time in NYC since getting married to Prince Harry in May 2018.

According to Us Weekly which first reported the secret visit, the Duchess of Sussex was spotted eating lunch with a friend at the Laduree restaurant and bakery in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan on Saturday, February 16. "They were having a lovely time, laughing and talking with each other," says an eyewitness.

Harper's Bazaar adds that the former actress was joined by her stylist pal Jessica Mulroney during the lunch, enjoying macaroons and tea in one of the bakery's private spaces. She reportedly also stopped at the nearby high-end children's clothing store Bonpoint.

"The trip is a lovely chance to catch up with friends and spend time in a city she loves," says a source allegedly close to the duchess. "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."

Another source claims, "It's been a relaxing visit. Nothing beats face time with your friends. Meg will be flying home refreshed and relaxed-and with a lot of new baby clothes." The trip was reportedly planned months ago.

Meghan's friends are said to be throwing a baby shower for the "Suits" alum before she heads back to London. The baby shower will be held at a private location for 15 guests on Tuesday, February 19.

Kensington Palace has not confirmed the visit.

Upon returning to the U.K., Meghan will be headed for Morocco with her husband Harry for an official three-day visit highlighting two of their key causes: girls' education and youth empowerment. A Palace spokesman says of the February 23-25 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."

Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth II's former press secretary, says the 37-year-old duchess' "royal engagements will be drastically reduced and the duchess will begin maternity leave from royal duties" as it's nearing her due date.

A royal source adds that the soon-to-be first-time mom is "full of energy and in good spirits" and that "she really feels great and is enjoying the busy work schedule she has at the moment."

Harry and Meghan are expecting to welcome their first child in the spring.