People.comRoyals Tyler Perry Sends Birthday Love to 'Princess Meghan' Markle: 'I've Watched You Endure Things' Meghan and Prince Harry stayed at Tyler Perry's Los Angeles estate when they first moved to the U.S. after stepping back from their royal rolesByStephanie PetitStephanie PetitStephanie Petit is a Royals Writer/Reporter at PEOPLE. She has been with the brand since 2016 after graduating from The College of New Jersey and holding previous positions at Seventeen, CBS Radio and more. Follow the proud dog mom on Twitter at @stephpetit_ for the latest on Queen Elizabeth's corgis.People Editorial GuidelinesPublished on August 5, 2022 01:52 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty; Slaven Vlasic/GettyTyler Perry is celebrating Meghan Markle's birthday with a special message. On Friday, one day after the Duchess of Sussex turned 41, Perry shared a tribute on his Instagram page. "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 thoughtful caption accompanied a photo of Meghan from her 2019 tour of South Africa, in which she's kneeling and kissing the hand of a young girl. Prince Harry Reveals When He Knew Meghan Markle Was His 'Soulmate' in UN SpeechMeghan Markle.Samir Hussein/WireImage Before settling down in their home in Santa Barbara, Meghan and Prince Harrystayed 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. "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. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty 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. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Meghan celebrated her birthday privately, but she also received 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.