Tax man could claim slice of lavish royal baby gifts

It was a lavish, star-studded affair held in a “castle in the sky” — but the Duchess of Sussex’s baby shower could come back to haunt her.

Meghan Markle faces a huge bill following her $AU700,000 baby shower as US taxmen expect her to pay dues on every lavish gift she received.

The Duchess of Sussex, 36, who is now seven months pregnant, flew from London to the US for the special event earlier this month.

The star-studded shower was held at the swanky $AU100,000-a-night penthouse at The Mark Hotel in New York.

Dozens of flowers were ordered to the hotel ahead of Meghan’s arrival, and the Duchess’ friends of were spotted bringing in gifts.

But for every gift worth $US15,000 ($AU21,000) or more, she is expected to pay tax.

UNDER THE LIMELIGHT

The United States taxes their citizens wherever they are in the world and whatever their income.

Los Angeles-based accountant Katherine Welch told the Sunday Express the Duchess would be under scrutiny.

“Sad to say, those delightful baby shower gifts will come under the microscope too because there is a strict ceiling of $US15,000 on personal gifts before they become liable to taxation,” she said.

The Duchess of Sussex may have to pay tax on her gifts. Picture: AP Photo/Kevin Hagen

Meghan received a $379 ($AU530) Hudson crib, from Babyletto, which is a three-in-one convertible crib with toddler bed conversion kit, according to reports.

But she did not unwrap the presents at the party, so it is not known what else she received.

US TV host Gayle King, who attended the baby bash, said Meghan wanted to open them “when she and (Prince) Harry are back together”.

ROYAL PERKS

Concierges were pictured loading Meghan’s collection of gifts into a van to be taken to a luxury $AU180,000 private jet for the six-hour journey to London — paid for by Amal Clooney.

American investigators have been reportedly eyeing up the couple’s engagements since they tied the knot last May.

One expert told the newspaper they are keen to gain an insight into the “benefits flowing from her new job”.

The stunning baby shower suite was described as a “castle in the sky” and boasts a huge rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a conservatory and a living room that can be “transformed into a full-size Grand Ballroom”.

It was attended by an A-list crowd including tennis ace Serena Williams, designers Jessica Mulroney and Misha Nonoo, lawyer Amal Clooney and TV anchor Gayle King.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.