Meghan Markle's father, Thomas, is reportedly hoping that the birth of Baby Sussex will heal the rift between them.

The pair are said to have become estranged in the lead up to Meghan and Harry's wedding last May. The last contact they had was in August 2018, when the Duchess of Sussex sent him a letter about how he had broken her heart 'into a million pieces.' However, Thomas has issued a congratulatory statement following the arrival of Meghan and Prince Harry's first child - with an insider claiming he hopes the little boy can heal the rift between them. He said [via The Sun]:

“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."

A source close to Thomas said that "he is extremely happy" after the birth of his grandson. They said:

“Despite what has transpired over the last year, this is a very proud moment for him. “He just wants his grandson to have a normal, happy, healthy life. He does not want to do anything to upset anybody at this time. “And he is hoping that in the aftermath of the birth of his grandson, a rapprochement can be made.”

The insider added that the retired lighting director is keen to make up with Meghan after the birth of her child. They continued:

“With the birth, he will wait and see if things will change. “He wants an olive branch and would dearly love to hear something from Meghan and Harry. “But he knows that if things don’t change, he faces the prospect of not seeing his grandson.”