Hollywood star Tyler Perry has lashed out at the "horrible" actions of Meghan Markle's dad in the latest instalment of Harry and Meghan's explosive Netflix docuseries.
The filmmaker and actor, 53, is described as a friend of the Duchess of Sussex and opened up about how he first got in touch with Meghan.
In the final episode, Tyler said that he was not a "royal watcher" but that he "saw something about her father".
The documentary refers to Thomas Markle staging paparazzi pictures in the run up to the royal wedding, which he apologised for a month later.
At the time, he denied the stunt was about money but about changing his image after a series of negative pictures. During an interview with Good Morning Britain, he claimed that he had spoken to both Meghan and Harry at the time and apologised.
"I found it to be hurtful if he were my father," Tyler said in the documentary. "And I couldn't even imagine this woman finding the man that she loved, the man of her dreams, and him being a prince, and then to walk into all of that madness and need the security of family and then have your father do some horrible things."
He continued to say that he "immediately" empathised with Meghan and had sent her a note before the wedding.
"That's where Tyler came into the picture," Meghan said. "I'd never met him before. He sent me a letter before the wedding just saying he was praying for me, and that if I ever need anything he would be there.
"Months and months and months went by and then one day when we were in Canada I called him. Finally, after years at that point, first time we ever spoke, and I was just a wreck.
"I was just crying and crying. Sometimes it's easier to just open up to someone who knows nothing at all.
"And that was that moment with me and Tyler."
Thomas, 78 – who watched the televised service with his son Thomas Jr – has been unable to reach Meghan since their row over the staged photos.
He missed the ceremony after a heart attack following the row, and has never met Harry, 38, or his own grandchildren Archie, three, and Lilibet, one.
Speaking about their dad, Thomas Jr – Meghan’s half-brother – told the Sunday Mirror : “We both watched clips of the Queen’s funeral together.
“I was overcome with emotion at how every person spectating was honoured to be there and respectful.”
Addressing Meghan directly Thomas Jr, 56, said: “Dad treated you like a princess your entire life and deserves the respect.
“You didn’t call him for his heart attacks or stroke, but it’s never too late.”
