Thomas Markle ― who rarely misses an opportunity to talk about his daughter, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex ― issued a statement about his new grandson on Monday, shortly after the palace announced the happy news of the child’s birth.
“I’m delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well,” Markle, a former lighting director, said in a statement shared with the Daily Mail.
“I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity, and honour.”
“GOD bless the child and I wish him health and happiness,” the 74-year-old added. “My congratulations to my lovely daughter Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, and GOD save the Queen.”
Buckingham Palace announced the birth of Meghan and Prince Harry’s son on Monday, assuring the public that both mother and baby are doing well. The boy’s name has not been made public.
The statement noted that Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, was with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their new home, Frogmore Cottage, and that other members of the royal family were notified of the birth and delighted over the news.
Thomas Markle was not mentioned in the announcement.
Markle is said to have a strained relationship with his daughter, whom he has reportedly not spoken to since the day after the royal wedding in May 2018.
In an interview with The Sun earlier this year, Thomas said Meghan’s lack of communication and treatment of him was “incomprehensible.”
“I’ve been a good father I’ve done nothing wrong. Axe murderers kill 19 people and their daughters still come and visit them in prison,” Markle said at the time, according to the article, which discussed a number of unsubstantiated rumors about the former Suits actress.
He added: “It’s just incomprehensible for Meghan to treat me this way.”