Thomas Markle addresses daughter Meghan’s pregnancy

Thomas Markle said he was “filled with love, joy and happiness” upon hearing the news of daughter Meghan‘s pregnancy.

“It was a very proud moment,” the former Hollywood lighting director told The Mail on Sunday in an interview, published Saturday. “A new baby is a blessing and I look forward to seeing a little Meghan or a little Harry.”

On Monday, Kensington Palace announced the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child together, due next spring. Thomas, 74, said he was waiting to cross the US-Mexico border when he heard the news.

“I was sitting in line waiting to cross the border when I heard the baby announcement on the car radio,” Thomas recalled. “I thought, ‘My baby is having a baby.'”

Following Monday’s pregnancy reveal, which also included a statement from Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, Thomas looked back to the day his daughter was born.

“The first thing I thought about was holding Meghan in my arms as a newborn 37 years ago,” Thomas recalled.

“When they handed her to me and I held her in my arms for the first time it was love at first sight. She was the most beautiful baby,” he said.

Thomas has been estranged from Meghan since bowing out of the royal wedding in May. He was accused of staging paparazzi photos, though his other daughter, Samantha Markle, later took the blame.

She also opened up about her half-sister’s pregnancy, saying, “I want Meghan to be happy and calm and have peace. Everybody needs to be positive.”

Meghan and husband Prince Harry are currently in Australia, as part of their royal tour, which also includes stops in Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. The mom-to-be’s schedule has since been cut back.