Meghan’s mother Doria says she is “very happy” and “looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild” but her father stays silent

Meghan Markle’s mother has expressed her joy at the news that her daughter, the Duchess of Sussex, is about to give her her first grandchild.

Doria Ragland issued a statement in which she said she was “very happy about this lovely news” and “looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild”. But Kensington Palace declined to comment on whether Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, had been told.

Last month Ms Ragland was seen taking baby-care classes in Pasadena, California, and could move to London to help look after the child because Meghan may not want to hire a nanny. According to reports, Ms Ragland has been learning nannying skills, such as first aid from specialist coaches in LA, where she currently lives.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby, when it arrives in the Spring of 2019, will be the 7th in line to the throne, pushing Prince Andrew of York down to number 8.