Tyler Perry claims Meghan Markle used him 'like a therapist' after Royal Family split

Tyler Perry was more than just a friend to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

During a candid chat with Kelly Ripa on her Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, the famous filmmaker opened up about his close relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The 54-year-old actor explained how Meghan, 42, reached out for guidance following their exit as senior members of the British Royal Family in January 2020 - which was also detailed in the pair's groundbreaking Netflix doc.

“I sent them a note … and just said, ‘If you ever need anything, I’m here,’ and she called months later and just talked to me like I was a therapist you talk to and we just had a great conversation,” he told Kelly.

Read more: Inside Meghan's first Royal Christmas after UK return for festive season 'ruled out'

“It is very important for people in this business to have a safe place to land, to have a place where they can trust and talk freely and get advice that’s not going to be biased or from somebody who wants something from them,” he went on to say.

Tyler then discussed why he felt the need to reach out in the first place, explaining he “got the tremendous sense” that Meghan's journey in and out of royal life was “overwhelming” and wanted to be there for her and her husband.

After building some strong foundations for their friendship, the Madea creator eventually welcomed the Suits alum and her family into his £14.5million ($18 million) Beverly Hills abode.

“They hid out at my house for a long time. It was so great,” Tyler excitedly added.

Tyler also recalled the paparazzi’s lack of knowledge of the couple’s whereabouts, explaining Harry and Meghan remained at his mansion for "weeks and weeks" undetected and “they were so happy". He added: "It was such a beautiful moment."

At the time of their relocation stateside, Meghan and Harry only had one child: Prince Archie, who was born in 2019.

A few years later the pair went on to welcome their daughter in 2021 and they made Tyler her godfather.

The Sistas producer revealed during his chat with Kelly he calls his royal goddaughter “Little Lili," sweetly adding: “Oh, she’s so beautiful. She’s just so beautiful."