The father of the Duchess of Sussex has said he is delighted at the birth of his grandson and spoke of his pride that the child would serve the British royal family “with honour”.
Thomas Markle, who has had a tumultuous relationship with his daughter Meghan, on Monday offered his congratulations to the royal couple, who have announced the birth of their first child.
Mr Markle told The Sun: “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, and my congratulations to my lovely daughter Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, and God Save the Queen.”
Harry and Meghan’s first child, who is seventh in line to the throne, is Mr Markle’s sixth grandchild.
The former Hollywood lighting director has reportedly not spoken to the Duchess of Sussex since just after the royal wedding last May, which he did not attend due to his health.
In February, friends of the Duchess revealed she wrote a letter to her estranged father telling him to stop victimising her so the pair could repair their relationship.
In an interview with People Magazine, friends of the royal said Mr Markle “knows how to get in touch with her” and has his daughter's number but has not tried to mend their rift.
Her friends claimed the Duchess wrote to her father after the wedding to Prince Harry to ask him to stop speaking to the media but that he replied asking for a photo opportunity.
Mr Markle claimed he has made “dozens of attempts” to reach his daughter via texts and letters and even sent a handwritten note to her via his ex-wife and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.
Thrilled Prince Harry after the birth of his son
Mr Markle’s statement comes amid silence from Meghan’s outspoken half-sister Samantha Grant.
Ms Grant has previously hit out at the Duchess, saying that she has “turned her back on the family”.
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She has been outspoken on her opinions towards her sister in the past and stated that she could do more to help their father.
