Tyler Perry is celebrating Meghan Markle‘s birthday with a sweet message.
This past Friday, just one day after the Duchess of Sussex turned 41, Perry shared a tribute on his Instagram page.
Tyler Perry Praises ‘Princess Meghan’ Markle On Her Birthday
“I’ve had a front row seat in your life for the past few years. I’ve watched you endure things that would have broken a lot of people,” the actor and filmmaker, 52, said. “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.”
The heartfelt caption accompanied a photo of Meghan from her 2019 tour of South Africa, where she can be seen kneeling and kissing the hand of a young girl.
Prior to settling down in their home in Santa Barbara, Meghan and Prince Harry stayed at Perry’s Los Angeles estate with son Archie Harrison (their daughter, Lilibet Diana, was born in June 2021) as they transitioned out of their senior royal roles.
RELATED: Will Smith Wins First Award Since Oscar Slap Felt Around the World
“They’re really grateful to Tyler Perry for his kindness,” a source close to the couple previously told PEOPLE. “They have endless gratitude to him for helping them during a complicated time.”
“With COVID and as they were stepping back from their royal duties, he provided them a safe haven,” the source added.
Perry was also a guest on Prince Harry and Meghan’s first Spotify podcast in Dec. 2020, joining a starry lineup that also included Elton John and James Corden in reflecting on the year.
RELATED: Tyler Perry Reveals Exactly What He Discussed With Will Smith After The Infamous Chris Rock Slap
Meghan celebrated her birthday privately and was given a flurry of social media tributes from members of the royal family.
“Wishing a happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex,” Kate Middleton and Prince William wrote on their joint Twitter account alongside a photo of Meghan from her recent visit to the U.K. for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall also wished Meghan a happy birthday on Twitter, sharing a similar photo of the Duchess of Sussex from the Service of Thanksgiving she attended alongside Prince Harry in the Queen’s honor at St. Paul’s Cathedral on June 3.