Monday was a big day for the British royal family as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child together. Hours later, Meghan’s estranged father Thomas Markle broke his silence about the birth of his grandson, who he may never get to meet.

“I’m delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well,” Thomas said in a statement. “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. 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.”

This comes after a royal expert said that Thomas likely won’t ever get to meet the child of Meghan and Harry.

“I can’t think for a moment that Thomas Markle will ever be able to meet his grandson or granddaughter,” the expert said, adding that Meghan has “moved on” from her family drama and is focusing solely on motherhood. In fact, she never even informed her father that she was pregnant, and he found out the news from the media just like everyone else.

“I was sitting in line waiting to cross the border [between the U.S. and Mexico] when I heard the baby announcement on the radio,” Thomas explained. “I thought, ‘My baby is having a baby.’ It was a very proud moment. I was filled with love, joy and happiness for both my beautiful daughter and my son-in-law. A new baby is a blessing and I look forward to seeing a little Meghan or a little Harry.”

“Meghan loves children and she and Harry have been talking about wanting a family from the start. I’m delighted for them both,” he continued. “She’s always been wonderful with children and most of her friends have families so she’s used to being around kids. She will make a fantastic mother.”