Hollywood star Tyler Perry has developed a close relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Following the couple’s decision to step down from royal duties and move away from the UK, Perry generously offered them a place to stay. What makes this connection particularly interesting is that, according to Markle, she had never met Perry in person before they became close.
In an interview with The Cut, Markle revealed how candid she was during their first conversation, even though they had never met face-to-face. She reflected, “Sometimes, you can tell your life story to a stranger on a plane rather than to the people closest to you.” Markle also shared that Perry had offered his support when she married Harry in 2018.
This relationship was first made public during their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where the couple explained that Perry provided them with a place to live after they were left without security following their exit from royal life. The strong bond between the couple and Perry was further explored in their six-part Netflix documentary series. It was during this time that Perry was revealed to have taken on the role of godfather to Princess Lilibet, their daughter.
In addition to offering them shelter, Perry spoke out in defense of the couple. He criticized the institution of the royal family, saying, “To use the institution to do all the things a batterer would do, like cutting off financial support and security, that’s designed to make someone comply and return.” His remarks underscored the difficult circumstances Harry and Meghan faced during their transition away from royal life.
In an appearance on Kelly Ripa’s podcast, Sirius XM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera, Perry shared more details about his relationship with the couple. He explained how he reached out to Meghan with a supportive note before ever meeting her in person, offering his help if they needed anything. “Everybody thought Oprah introduced us,” Perry said, “but she didn’t know I reached out. I sent them a note through a mutual publicist, saying, ‘If you ever need anything, I’m here,’ and months later, she called me.”
Perry emphasized the importance of having a safe and supportive place in the entertainment industry. Speaking with Hello! magazine, he noted that many people in show business lack a trustworthy environment to openly share their thoughts and seek advice. He provided that refuge to Meghan and Harry when they needed it most, saying, “They hid out at my house for a long time, and it was great. Every day I checked online, but there was nothing about their location. They were so happy, and it was a beautiful moment.”
This unexpected bond between Perry and the royal couple continues to demonstrate how connections can form in the most surprising ways, offering both support and friendship during challenging times.
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