Well, that didn’t take long! Just hours after the royal family announced the exciting news that Meghan Markle had officially given birth to her first royal baby son with Prince Harry, the duchess’ estranged father has reacted.

“I’m delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well,” Thomas Markle said in a statement to The Sun following the baby’s birth on Monday, May 6. “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 honor.”

Prince Harry Meghan Markle
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Thomas’ statement to the outlet on behalf of his grandson’s birth offered warm and kinds words, unlike in the past when he publicly slammed his daughter, 37, and other members of the royal family with outrageous allegations. The former lighting director continued, “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 [Elizabeth].”

The royal baby of Meghan, 37, and Harry, 34 — who has yet to be named — is Thomas’s sixth grandchild. In an interview with Good Morning Britain in December 2018, Thomas revealed his plans as a grandfather to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first royal baby.

“I’m certainly hoping I’ll get to see a little Meghan or a little Harry. That would be very nice,” he shared during the sit-down. “I look forward to that happening. I’m hopeful. I think it should happen. I think she’ll make a great mom, and maybe things will soften a little bit and we’ll connect again.”

Thomas, who has been estranged from Meghan ever since he bailed on attending her royal wedding and walking her down the aisle in May 2018, added at the time, “There has to be a place for me. I’m her father and I will be the grandfather to her children. All I can say is that I’m here. She knows it. I’ve reached out to her—and I need her to reach back to me. I love her very much.”

Fans of the royal family couldn’t have been happier when the news was announced that Meghan and Harry officially became the parents to a beautiful baby boy. The former Suits actress made history after welcoming the little bundle of joy, the royal couple’s Instagram confirmed in an official statement.

“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. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz,” the post reads. “The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives. More details will be shared in the forthcoming days.”

We can’t wait to watch Baby Sussex grow up before our very eyes!