Meghan Markle's brother has said he hopes the royal baby will mend the rift in their "broken" family - but their dad is "terrfied" will never meet his grandson.
Thomas Markle Jr has spoken out after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child into the world this morning - which Harry later confirmed was a boy.
The latest addition to the royal family arrived at 5.25am this morning weighing 7lbs 3oz more than a week overdue.
Meghan and her dad have not spoken since she married last year and he wasn't included in an official announcement confirming.the birth ,
Thomas Jr said he was over the moon for his sister and added that he hoped the new arrival will help fix the rift in his family.
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"Hopefully this baby will help mend the family rift - we'd all love to meet the baby and become a part of his life - especially my dad," he told The Sun :
Thomas said he had spoken to his father in the past few weeks and that the subject was "really scary" for him.
"I seriously hopes she gets a hold of him and personally calls him herself and sends him pictures right off the bat," he added.
"She was a very fortunate child growing up and she is very fortunate now and she has my dad to thank for that.
"He dedicated every moment life to her - he deserves to be part of the baby's life."
A friend of the father told the Express that Thomas Markle is "bitterly upset" at the idea of not meeting his grandchild.
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"He'd give anything to meet the new arrival in person and hopes he can prove to his daughter that their relationship is worth a second chance and he should have a place in their lives," the pal said,
"He is still clinging to the hope his daughter will call him at some stage to share her happiness.
"He has said, ‘What else can I do?’ He is bitterly upset by the thought of not being able to meet his new grandchild.
"The distance in miles and emotions between him and Meghan hasn't stopped him feeling proud for her and his new grandchild.
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"He'd give anything to meet the new arrival in person and hopes he can prove to his daughter that their relationship is worth a second chance and he should have a place in their lives."
Earlier this year Thomas shared extracts of an emotional letter the Duchess of Sussex had written to him shortly after her wedding.
In the five-page handwritten note Meghan begged her father to stopped speaking to the media and pleaded with him to allow her to live her own life.
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Before publishing extracts of the letter, Thomas Markle Snr has given numerous interviews claiming the Duchess has completely cut him off and wasn't responding to his messages.
After the announcement was made,Thomas, 74, said: “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.
“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.”
