Meghan Markle missed her 20-year high school reunion which was held the day before she gave birth to her son Archie, but was still the star thanks to a touching letter she sent to her classmates, DailyMailTV can reveal.
Markle, 37, sent an envelope marked 'Kensington Palace' to the reunion of the class of 1999 of her all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles, apologizing for not being there.
The reunion was attended by a total of 37 women who graduated Immaculate Heart High School in 1999, out of a class of more than 50.
The Duchess of Sussex's school friends were buzzing about the imminent arrival of the latest royal baby and delighted to get Meghan's letter, which arrived on Kensington Palace stationery.
'Everyone was disappointed that they did not get to catch up with Meghan given everything that has happened to her,' said one former friend.
Special message: One of the alumna attending the reunion revealed the letter of apology for not being there from Meghan Markle - who gave birth to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor the very next day
Reunited: Many of Meghan Markle's class got back together for their 20-year reunion
Pride of place: Meghan Markle's high-school yearbook photo featured in a picture display on the wall, as well as throwback pictures to the alumnae's time at Immaculate Hart
The way she was: Meghan Markle at her graduation from Immaculate Heart in 1999
Wish you were here: More than 30 of the class of 1999 were at the day-long reunion - and one said that Meghan Markle was the star of the show despite being absent
What you missed: More than 300 alumnae of the fee-paying Catholic high school attended the day-long reunion
What actually happened: The day after the reunion which Meghan could not attend, she gave birth to Archie Harrison, her first son with Prince Harry, showing him off to the world two days later
'But the whole group was super excited about her giving birth to the first British-American prince, it was all anyone talked about.
'They were so excited to get that letter from her. She is remembered as someone who is very thoughtful, and to get that kind of attention now that she is a Royal went down really well.
'Hopefully she will be able to make it to the 25 year reunion and she is welcome to bring Harry and Archie along with her.'
The reunion for the class of 1999 and other classes from years ending in 4 and 9, going as far back as 1939, was held on Sunday May 5.
The next day Meghan gave birth to Archie, who is seventh in line to the UK throne, at 5.26am on Monday, May 6 in London with the baby boy weighing in at 7lbs 3 ounces.
Following the birth, one of her classmates celebrated on social media, with a comment saying 'IT'S A BOY!' under a photo posted from the reunion.
The school joined in the celebrations too, posting a congratulations to their most famous alumna
