Meghan Markle is photographed in New York while she is getting ready to take a baby shower

Meghan Markle attempted to keep a low profile when she arrived in New York on Monday night, looking chic but unobtrusive, dressed in a long black coat and a gray newsboy cap pulled over her dark brown hair.

The 37-year-old Royal, who has returned to the Big Apple this weekend to have a good time with her friends before the arrival of her first child this spring, has been seen to be escorted by a Royal Protection Officer in a parked SUV parked on a street in the city.

Meghan bowed her head as she headed for the car, with her black hair covering her face, and she was wearing a second wide-brimmed black hat in her hand, as well as a white bag.

While the Duchess of Sussex seemed to be trying to get under the radar of her understated ensemble, the big diamond engagement ring on her wedding finger was undeniable.

Her husband, Prince Harry, had her draw the three-stone motif especially before her engagement in 2017, using a diamond that he had purchased in Botswana, where the couple spent a vacation together early in their relationship .

The dazzling design was clearly visible as Meghan walked down the stairs and got into the car, wearing her spare hat and a simple white bag that could hold a gift.

Her nails appeared to have been painted with a subtle shade of a dazzling pink – a much more discreet polishing option than some of the darker and more daring colors that she was known to model, despite the royal traditions suggesting that only the most subtle shades are bare. worn.

In her other arm, the expectant mother was holding a large gray leather purse in the crook of her elbow, while the bodyguard who escorted her to her waiting vehicle also seemed to be wearing a few. some of his belongings, including a Lululemon tote bag. covered with Meghan's beige wool coat, suggesting that the royal might have had more of a sartorial option on hand for her day.

The expectant mother, apparently, strove to remain unrecognizable during the short walk to the SUV, keeping her head down and her hair pulled on her face – far from the smiles and practicalities that she became known to do during public events.

His bodyguard also tried to blend in with the pants, dressed in anthracite gray pants and a quilted blue coat with a hood. He also had a phone in his hand and Meghan's stuff.

The release of Meghan on Monday night marks the first time she's been photographed since arriving in the city this weekend. it is thought that she arrived by plane Friday after spending a quiet evening on Valentine's Day with her husband, Prince Harry.

It is thought that the Duchess boarded a plane in London on February 15 for the five-day surprise trip, which would feature a relaxed and laid-back route, filled with shopping, good food and a 15-person baby shower. . close friends organized by her best friend Jessica Mulroney – who arrived in the city at the end of last week from her home in Toronto.

This visit marks the first time that the Duchess of Sussex has visited the Big Apple since she said "I do it" to Prince Harry in May 2018 and she wasted no time before getting go to some of his favorite places.

Meghan joined her unofficial friend and stylist Jessica at Ladurée in SoHo on Saturday to sample macaroons and tea in one of the private spaces of the location, according to Harper's Bazaar.

Although Jessica is based in Canada, she arrived in New York at the end of last week to film certain segments of the style of Good Morning America, after being named the most recent contributor of fashion at the end of 2018.

The decision to visit Ladurée might well belong to Meghan, as the well-known gourmet has already participated in a photo shoot for Tod's in the richly decorated French restaurant.

In one shot of the shoot, she is seen sitting in the New York tourist hotspot, dressed in a patterned suit, a white shirt and a pair of Tod's moccasins in silver with fringes on the front.

Her makeup for the shoot was rather more glamorous than the subtle and natural appearance that she now seems to prefer; In the photo, we can see Meghan modeling a bright pink lip and black and smoky eyes while looking straight into the lens with a very serious expression on the face.

But it seems that the slightly unimpressed look she had on the picture does not reflect her feelings towards the French restaurant, famous for its colorful confections and its wide variety of teas, as well as for its elegant interior.

The Duchess also praised the restaurant in an interview with writer Barry Samaha.

"I love Ladurée in SoHo," she says. "It's like a small slice of Paris in the heart of New York.

"It's absolutely beautiful and the yard is beautiful," she added. "Everyone should have the SoHo Cup, which is this amazing salted caramel ice cream. It's delicious!

And it is not only Ladurée who occupies a special place in the heart of Meghan; the Duchess repeatedly spoke of her love for New York City and its many restaurants, bars, hotels and shops, even giving the Citiphile website a full recap of her favorite places while she still played the role Rachel Zane in Suits

During the interview with the site, Meghan referred to several of New York's most sought-after establishments, including the Marlton Hotel, the Italian Babbo Restaurant, the Marie Crisis Piano Bar and West's favorite Village, Fedora, that she praised for her dirty martinis.

But according to sources, when Meghan will not indulge in Ladurée's pastries, she will spend much of her time enjoying the many conveniences of the undisclosed five-star hotel where she is supposed to stay for the duration of her trip .

Sources confirmed at Harper's Bazaar that friends were holding Tuesday Megan's baby shower in an undisclosed hotel on the Upper East Side, for 15 guests, the day before she left.

Jessica is thought not only to attend the shower, but also help direct the organization of this intimate event. The GMA's fashion expert would also have helped Meghan plan his wedding with Prince Harry.

At the same time, Abigail Spencer, former co-star of Meghan's Suits, went to Instagram Stories on Monday to reveal that she was traveling, which suggests that she could travel to New York to take a shower.

"On the road again," she subtitled the Instagram selfie who showed her Away money suitcase.

Although no other member of Meghan's inner circle has confirmed the details regarding the shower, sources told Harper's Bazaar that the royal wanted to have the opportunity to spend time with his friends the closest to one of his favorite cities, before the birth of his first child, which is due in a few months.

"This trip is a great opportunity to meet friends and spend time in a city that she loves," said a source at the branch.

"This will be the last time many of them will see Meg before the baby is born, it's nice to share precious moments."

But if the trip might have surprised some, according to the unidentified friend of the royal, Meghan's visit to the Big Apple was actually planned several months ago.

"It's a relaxing visit. Nothing beats spending time with your friends, the person added. "Meg will come home refreshed and relaxed – and with lots of new baby clothes."

Priyanka Chopra, a close friend of Meghan, spent Valentine's Day in London. It is possible that they traveled to New York together the next day.

Tennis legend Serena Williams, costume star Sarah Rafferty, designer Misha Nonoo, brand consultant Benita Litt, and college girlfriend Lindsay Roth are also friends who may be invited to Meghan's shower.

Pilates instructor Heather Dorak, another close friend who attended the royal wedding, welcomed her second child, a baby boy named Cody Cohen, on Valentine's Day and will likely attend. not at the exclusive party.

The day before her flight to New York, Meghan spent a quiet evening on Valentine's Day with Prince Harry, their first as a married couple.

The 34-year-old Duke of Sussex spent the first half of 14 February in Norway meeting with the British Armed Forces involved in winter survival training in the Arctic Circle.

As part of his visit, Harry Quincey Shelter was shown to look like an improvised igloo.

The space had been decorated with photographs of his wedding with Meghan before his arrival, and he described laughing as a "sanctuary" when he saw it.

Harry rented a private plane home to get back on time and spend the rest of his day with his wife, who is a "confessed sucker for Valentine's Day".

Meghan has written about his love for the romantic vacation on his lifestyle blog, now gone, The Tig.

"Without a doubt, every February 14, I wake up as if I were diving into a photo of Robert Doisneau, looking forward to being plunged into a kiss," she said. "It's all in black and white, of course. And in Paris, if I could manage.

"Aside from the delusions of Francophile grandeur, Valentine's Day is special wherever you are. And in terms of gifts, that it 's a breakfast in bed, a sweet note of love or a single flower, that' s it. 39 is really the thought that counts.

Meghan is expected to return to London on Wednesday, before a royal visit to Morocco with Harry on February 23.