Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker, took to Instagram to celebrate Meghan Markle’s 41st birthday, offering a touching tribute that highlighted their close friendship and his admiration for her resilience. Perry’s message, shared on August 5, one day after Meghan’s birthday, praised the Duchess of Sussex for all she has endured and how happy she is now with her family.
In his heartfelt post, Perry expressed how he’s had a “front row seat” to Meghan’s life over the past few years. The actor and director shared his pride in watching Meghan overcome challenges that “would have broken a lot of people” and how she has emerged stronger than ever. He shared a powerful 2019 image of the Duchess from her tour in South Africa, showing her sweetly kissing a young girl’s hand. Along with the photo, Perry wrote: “I’m so incredibly proud to see how happy you, your husband, and your kids are now. It fills me with joy to say Happy Birthday, Princess Meghan.”
Meghan Markle’s friendship with Tyler Perry made headlines in 2020 when she and Prince Harry temporarily moved into Perry’s Hollywood mansion after stepping back from their royal duties and leaving Canada. The couple’s sudden move was driven by the public revelation of their Canadian residence, which compromised their security. During her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan acknowledged Perry’s kindness, explaining, “We needed a house, and he offered his security as well, so it gave us breathing room to figure out what we were going to do.”
Perry’s public birthday message also seemed to reflect the difficult period Meghan and Harry faced when transitioning from their royal duties. Perry has long been a supportive figure in their lives, offering both emotional and practical assistance during a time of uncertainty.
In addition to Tyler Perry, other prominent members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Prince of Wales with the Duchess of Cornwall, also publicly wished Meghan a happy birthday. The Duchess now resides in Montecito, California, with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Perry’s message serves as a reminder of the close-knit circle of support that surrounds Meghan, emphasizing the strength of her friendships and her ability to thrive despite adversity.