Meghan Markle quietly undertook a rare solo trip to Chicago over the weekend to mark a very special occasion.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was spotted attending a First Communion ceremony at the city's Holy Name Cathedral in pictures shared on social media, wearing a beige turtleneck jumper.
A source told PEOPLE Magazine that Meghan was attending her godson's communion, the son of one of her best friends from college. She arrived "early" at the church and waited in the pews alongside other friends and family.
"She didn't use a separate entrance or have any special accommodations," the source claimed.
The Duchess has now returned home to Montecito in California, where she lives with her husband, Prince Harry, and children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Meghan's university days
Meghan attended Northwestern University in Chicago from 1999 to 2003, graduating with a bachelor's degree in theatre and international studies. Meghan is known to have lived in the North Mid-Quads dorm, home to 85 students.
In her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, the Duchess gave a rare insight into her life at college, before she landed her breakout role in TV drama Suits.
© Getty Images"I had a job when I was in college working in a bar in Chicago," Meghan revealed, adding: "I'll just go and make extra money and I'll be the coat check girl." However, she was put behind the bar making cocktails instead.
An exciting week
© Instagram / @meghanIt's not the only celebration that Meghan has in store this week, as her son Prince Archie is set to turn seven on Wednesday.
Archie's grandfather, King Charles, is also busy on Wednesday, as it's the first garden party of the year at Buckingham Palace. It will no doubt be rather a bittersweet occasion as the King has had limited contact with his grandson since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals and moved to the US in 2020.
Last year, Meghan shared a sweet picture of Archie dressed in a pair of striped pyjamas and watching a sunset to mark his sixth birthday.
