Meghan Markle's father, Thomas, reacts to christening snub

Thomas Markle wishes he could've attended his grandson's christening on Saturday.

Meghan Markle's estranged father was not invited to the private ceremony, and he told The Daily Mail that "of course" he would've loved to be there.

"I have been asked if I would have liked to have gone to Britain to see my new grandson being christened," he said. "I was an altar boy at age 12, a confirmed member of the Queen's church at age 14, and Archie is my new grandson, so of course I would have enjoyed being there for the blessing, wishing Archie and his parents health and happiness."

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He famously didn't attend his daughter's May 2018 royal wedding after reportedly suffering a heart attack following a scandal that involved him staging and selling paparazzi photos of himself getting ready for the nuptials. Sources say that Thomas has had no contact with his daughter in the 14 months since.

His comments followed the release of photos from the christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son, Archie Harrison, on Saturday. In addition to a black-and-white photo showing Harry and Meghan embracing their newborn, the palace also released a family photo of Meghan, Harry and Archie as they were joined by Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Kate Middleton, sisters of the late Princess Diana, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale and, of course, Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.

"This morning, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was christened in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle at an intimate service officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby," the photo caption said on Instagram. "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son. They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment."

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"Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie," it went on. "Their son, Archie, was baptised wearing the handmade replica of the royal christening gown which has been worn by royal infants for the last 11 years. The original Royal Christening Robe, made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, was commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1841 and first worn by her eldest daughter. It was subsequently worn for generations of Royal christenings, including The Queen, her children and her grandchildren until 2004, when The Queen commissioned this handmade replica, in order for the fragile historic outfit to be preserved, and for the tradition to continue."