Thomas Markle: 'I Want To Meet Archie'

Meghan’s dad is determined not to let the family rift stop him from seeing his new grandchild – and he’s ready to make his feelings known

- Selina Maycock

For most, the birth of a baby sparks a rush of relatives popping by the hospital or a constant flurry of family members queuing up for the first cuddle with the new arrival. But for baby Archie and his proud parents Meghan and Harry, there is one significant person missing, with Meghan's dad Thomas Markle nowhere to be seen. Despite Doria, Meghan's mother, being very much a part of the birth, Thomas was conspicuous by his absence, with reports indicating that he only heard about the birth via news outlets. He was even snubbed in the official royal announcement.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, into the world on 6 May at 5.26am, weighing 7lb 3oz. But the birth – thought to be at the exclusive £20,000-a-night Portland Hospital – was kept under wraps until they had ‘celebrated privately as a new family’.

Instead of posing on the steps of London’s famous Lindo Wing like William and Kate following the births of their three children, Harry and Meghan wanted to spend time with Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland, and other members of Harry’s family before introducing Archie to the world.

NEW BABY, NEW BATTLE