Meghan Markle's friend reveals how 'happy' she is after having to 'endure things'

A close friend of Meghan Markle has revealed how "happy" she "now" is after having to "endure things" in recent years.

The actor Tyler Perry shared a message to mark the Duchess of Sussex's 41st birthday on Thursday.

Posting on Twitter, he wrote: "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.

"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."

Perry shared the tribute alongside a picture of the duchess during a visit to South Africa in 2019 where she can be seen kissing the hand of a little girl.

Read more: Meghan Markle's new look – the duchess' sartorial evolution since stepping down as a senior royal

The post has received more than 60,000 'likes', with many social media users also leaving their well wishes for the wife of Prince Harry.

It is not known how exactly the duchess and Perry became acquainted, but they have Oprah Winfrey as a friend in common.

After stepping back from the royal family in January 2020, Perry let the Sussexes stay in one of his California properties for three months while they looked for a permanent home.

The family now live in Montecito with their two children, son Archie, three, and one-year-old daughter Lilibet.

Read more: Meghan supports Harry as he recalls Diana's relationship with Nelson Mandela during speech

Earlier this week, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge sent the Duchess of Sussex birthday wishes via their official Instagram account.

They shared a picture of the mother-of-two attending the St Paul's thanksgiving service in June, alongside the words: "Wishing a happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex!”

Watch: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the UN General Assembly