Meghan Markle made a quick cross-country trip days before her son Archie’s seventh birthday. She made the trip for a special occasion, traveling without her children or her husband, Prince Harry. She flew to Chicago to attend the First Communion of her godson, whose mother is one of her closest friends from college.

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Meghan Markle went on a solo trip to support one of her best friends

Meghan traveled to Chicago to witness her godson’s First Communion at Holy Name Cathedral. In a photo that briefly circulated on social media, she was seen smiling in one of the church’s pews, wearing a beige turtleneck, as children processed down the aisle. As reported by PEOPLE, Meghan attended the First Communion of the son of one of her best friends from college.

Despite her high profile, Meghan arrived early and waited with other families and friends in the pews, without requesting a separate entrance or any special accommodations. Her only distinguishing feature, according to sources, was the presence of her personal bodyguard.

© Pool
Meghan is the godmother of the son of one of her closest friends

A friendship rooted in Northwestern

Meghan’s connection to Chicago stems from her university years, having studied theatre and international studies at Northwestern University between  1999 and 2003. The friendship at the heart of this trip dates back to that era.

Meghan’s role as godmother to her friend’s son was not previously known publicly, with the appearance offering a rare glimpse into how close the bond between the two women is.

More celebrations ahead

© Netflix
Prince Archie of Sussex, the eldest child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, will turn 7 on May 6

On May 6th, Archie will celebrate his seventh birthday, with Meghan hopefully sharing some adorable photos to commemorate the occasion. Last year, Meghan marked the occasion by sharing a rare image of her son from behind, looking toward a sunset from his home’s balcony.

“Our son. Our sun,” she captioned the post.

Thomas Markle’s health update

Meghan’s Chicago trip comes as her father, Thomas Markle, made his own journey back to the United States. Thomas recently returned home after having part of his leg amputated in the Philippines last December. Meghan’s sister, Samantha Markle, confirmed that he is in good health on social media.

According to The Mirror, Thomas Markle returned to the US to have a prosthetic fitted and to begin the process of learning to walk again. Though Meghan and her father have been estranged for years, a spokesperson of hers confirmed that the two had been in touch following his health scare.

© Chris Jackson
Meghan Markle is estranged from her father