Tyler Perry’s frosty response to Meghan Markle question

He is the godfather of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter and even let the royals stay in his mansion. But Tyler Perry gave little away when asked a key Sussex question.

Meghan Markle’s close friend, movie mogul Tyler Perry, gave a frosty response when asked about his role in Megxit.

The Sussexes are close to the billionaire filmmaker who is the godfather of their three-year-old daughter, Lilibet, and who let them live in his mansion when they first relocated to Los Angeles in 2020.

When quizzed on how he prepared the Sussexes ahead of their US move in a new interview with the Sunday Times, Perry firmly replied: “I didn’t”.

He then elaborated “Meghan is from California. She knows California well. So there was nothing to prepare them for.”

Perry then added: “What I learnt about mentioning them — because there’s this insatiable appetite to know all about them — is that any question that is asked becomes the headline of anything I say.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Tyler Perry in Beverly Hills, California. Picture: Getty Images

Meghan was by Perry’s side last week at an event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in California to celebrate his work in film.

The royal hit the red carpet alone hours after Prince Harry shrugged off divorce rumours during an appearance in New York.

The Duchess of Sussex dazzled in a strapless black Oscar de la Renta gown and $20,000 worth of accessories including a $14,000 Logan Hollowell tennis necklace, which she paired with rings by Lorraine Schwartz and Engender.

Hubby Harry was at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit thousands of kilometres away.

Meghan Markle arrives for The Paley Center for Media gala honouring actor and director Tyler Perry, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Picture: AFP

Speaking during The New York Times’ event without his wife, Harry addressed the persistent divorce rumours that have plagued the pair.

Laughing off the speculation, the Duke of Sussex said: “Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times.

The Duchess of Sussex wore an Oscar de la Renta black gown. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?”

He alluded to the numerous unfounded rumours – posted on social media by trolls – regarding his family life.

Addressing why he and Meghan aren’t often seen professionally together, which fuels split gossip, the royal quipped to a journalist: “Because you invited me, you should have known,” to the crowd’s delight, the Mirror reported.

The royal matched the gown with $20,000 in accessories. Picture: AFP

Meanwhile, in Beverly Hills, Meghan cheered on Perry as the Paley Centre for Media honoured the visionary director, actor and philanthropist with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of his career.

Perry was also the recipient of the Paley Honours Award at the bash.

Meghan Markle made the red carpet appearance solo. Picture: AFP

NO PLANS TO LEAVE AMERICA: HARRY

Harry also revealed that he and Meghan have no plans to leave the US and return to Britain permanently.

The couple relocated to Montecito in California in summer 2020, just months after stepping down as working royals.

Harry has made several solo trips back to the UK this year alone – though remains estranged from much of the Royal Family.

Speaking at the DealBook Summit he said: “I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here.”

Prince Harry has addressed persistent divorce rumours that have swirled around him and Meghan Markle. Picture: Getty Images

There are activities he can do with his children that he “undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK”, he said, citing concerns about security.

Prince Harry said his focus now is on “being the best husband and the best dad that I can be”.

The Duke went on to say he opposes a social media ban for children because it could lead to family arguments and bullying by classmates.

Instead, he said such companies should be subject to greater transparency and accountability.

He said social media has “already been intentionally created to be addictive” so banning it or removing it, “creates all sort of problems”.

The Duke of Sussex was speaking at an event in New York. Picture: Getty Images for The New York Times

Harry said he doesn’t have his own social media accounts to help protect his peace.

“I try to think at these things through the lens as a dad,” he said.

“It’s not a coincidence that the world has become more volatile and more divided since social media has been around for 20 years,” he said.

The revelation comes after he and Meghan were rumoured to have bought a luxurious property in Alentejo, Portugal.

Prince Harry revealed he has no plans to move permanently back to the UK. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

The couple reportedly plan to set up a base there after being seen in the area last September following the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.

They currently live in a $22 million Montecito mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court.

Harry is also continuing to press ahead with a legal battle against the British government over his taxpayer-funded security to ensure his family’s safety.

Originally published as Tyler Perry’s frosty response to Meghan Markle question