Royal baby: Thomas Markle reacts to daughter Meghan Markle giving birth
Thomas Markle is "delighted" to have a new grandchild.
Meghan Markle's father released a statement exclusively to The Sun on Monday, just hours after the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to her first child -- a boy! -- with husband Prince Harry.
"I'm delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well. 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," the statement said. "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."
Meghan's father, who hasn't had any contact with her since he dramatically dropped out of her wedding just days before the ceremony last May, was the first of the former Suits actress' estranged family to publicly react to news of her baby's arrival. Considering how outspoken her half siblings are, he won't be the last.
Meanwhile, the duchess' mother, Doria Ragland, is "overjoyed" by the arrival of her first grandchild, per a statement from the palace.
Meghan, 37, gave birth to her son on Monday morning at 5:26 am London time, Buckingham Palace announced.
"We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019," the official statement read. "Their Royal Highnesses' son weighs 7lbs. 3oz."
Prince Harry was on-hand for the birth of the baby, the palace confirmed, and the rest of the royal family is "delighted with the news" of its arrival.
"I'm very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy earlier this morning, a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well," Harry said in an interview after his baby's arrival. "It's been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined. How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension, but we're both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support from everybody out there. It's been amazing, so I just wanted to share this with everybody."
Baby Sussex is seventh in line for the British throne, directly behind dad Prince Harry, 34, who is sixth in line.
