Tyler Perry Talks About His Friendship With Meghan Markle: What Really Happened

Hollywood is full of "industry friends" who only show up when the cameras are rolling. But then there’s the bond between Tyler Perry and Meghan Markle. It's weird, right? On paper, it doesn't make a ton of sense. A billionaire studio mogul from the South and a British Royal who used to be on Suits.

But honestly, if you look at the timeline, it’s one of the few celebrity friendships that seems to actually mean something. Tyler Perry has been vocal about why he stepped in during their darkest hour. He didn’t just offer a "good luck" text. He gave them a house. He gave them security. He gave them a life in America when they literally had nowhere else to turn.

Why Tyler Perry Reached Out in the First Place

Most people think they’ve been friends for decades. Nope. They hadn’t even met when he first reached out.

Back in 2018, around the time of the Royal Wedding, Perry sent Meghan a note. He didn't know her, but he saw the media circus. He saw the way her father was acting in the press. Having dealt with his own family drama and the sudden weight of fame, Tyler felt a weird sense of empathy. He basically told her, "I see what's happening. If you ever need anything, I’m here."

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She didn't call him for years.

It wasn't until 2020, while the Sussexes were holed up in a house in Canada with their security about to be cut off, that she finally picked up the phone. Meghan later described herself as a "wreck," just crying and venting to a man she had never actually sat across a table from.

Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger. Especially one who has $800 million and a private security team.

The Beverly Hills Sanctuary

When Tyler Perry talks about his friendship with Meghan Markle, he often comes back to that initial period in Los Angeles. He didn't just give them a room; he gave them his $18 million Beverly Hills mansion.

They stayed there for months. Completely under the radar.

The world thought they were still in Canada or maybe looking at mansions in Malibu. Meanwhile, they were living in Tyler’s house, walking their dogs in his yard, and finally breathing. Perry has said that the "insatiable appetite" for news about them is why he kept it so quiet. He actually checked the headlines every day back then to make sure the paparazzi hadn't found them.

He saw them as two people who were just deeply in love and trying to survive. He once told Hoda Kotb on Today that their love is "really, really moving." He even joked that if he doesn't have the kind of love they have, he doesn't want it at all.

That One Big "Godfather" Condition

You probably know that Tyler is the godfather to Princess Lilibet. It’s a huge deal. But there was a catch.

When Harry and Meghan called him to ask—and he says they were "pretty serious" on the phone—he had to take a second. He was honored, obviously. But then he called them back with a condition.

He didn't want to go to the UK and do the whole "royal church" thing with the cameras and the official ceremonies. He told them he’d love to do it, but maybe in a private ceremony in California. He wanted it to be about the child, not the spectacle. They agreed. Lilibet was eventually christened in a small, private ceremony at their home in Montecito in March 2023.

Key Moments in the Friendship

• The 2018 Note: Tyler reaches out blindly to offer support.
• The 2020 Move: He provides his home and security during the height of the pandemic.
• The Piano: As a housewarming gift for their Montecito home, Tyler sent a grand piano with a note telling them to "write the soundtrack" for their lives.
• The Paley Honors: In late 2024, Meghan showed up to support Tyler as he received the Paley Honors, proving the bond hasn't faded.

What Most People Get Wrong

There’s a common misconception that Tyler is "team Sussex" because he’s looking for a business deal or a Netflix collaboration. If you listen to him speak lately, he sounds almost bored by the royal drama.

In a late 2024 interview with The Sunday Times, he was pretty blunt. When asked how he "prepared" them for the US, he just said, "I didn't." He pointed out that Meghan is from California. She knows the vibe. She didn't need a tour guide; she needed a friend.

He’s also started shutting down questions about them more often. He knows that every word he says becomes a massive headline. He’s protective. He’s not a spokesperson; he’s a guy who saw a woman being "hunted" (his words) and decided to do something about it.

The Reality of Celebrity Loyalty

In 2025 and 2026, we’ve seen a lot of celebrity "friendships" crumble under the weight of PR scandals. But this one has stayed solid. Whether it’s Tyler calling her "Princess Meghan" in birthday posts or the couple showing up for his movie premieres, the mutual respect is clearly there.

It's a reminder that even at that level of wealth and fame, the basics matter:

1. Showing up when it's not convenient. Offering a house during a global lockdown is a big move.
2. Keeping secrets. The fact that they lived in his house for months without the world knowing is a feat of logistics.
3. Setting boundaries. Tyler being able to say "I won't do the UK ceremony" shows a friendship built on honesty, not just "yes-man" behavior.

If you’re looking for the "actionable" takeaway from this saga, it’s probably about the value of a closed circle. Even the most famous people in the world need one person they can call when they’re "a wreck." For Meghan, that person happened to be the guy who created Madea.

Next Steps for Followers

If you want to see the footage of Tyler talking about this himself, the final episode of the Harry & Meghan docuseries on Netflix is where he really opens up. You can also look for his 2022 interview on the Today show for his most emotional comments on their marriage.