Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines with their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, not only for its insights into royal life but also for revealing a personal detail: the godfather of their daughter, Lilibet, is none other than actor and producer Tyler Perry.

Lilibet “Lili” Diana was born on June 4, 2021. Her name is a tribute to Queen Elizabeth, whose family nickname was “Lilibet,” and to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. While many were curious about her christening and godparents, few expected Perry’s name to come up.

In the sixth episode of the series, Harry and Meghan opened up about their connection to Perry. He had reached out to Meghan before her wedding, offering support after witnessing the media chaos surrounding her relationship with her father. Though they hadn’t met in person, Perry felt compelled to send her a letter, expressing concern and offering to help if she ever needed anything.

Months later, as Harry and Meghan were leaving Canada under pressure, losing their royal protection, and facing growing fears for their safety, Meghan reached out. Perry answered without hesitation, offering them his home in California as a refuge. For the first time, they spoke on the phone, and Meghan recalled breaking down in tears during that conversation.

Perry later shared that he recognized signs of emotional abuse from the institution and admired their decision to leave. He compared the palace’s actions—removing security, financial support, and pressure to return—to tactics often used by abusers. His empathy came from personal experience, having witnessed similar patterns in his own life.

As they grew close, Harry and Meghan made a serious call to Perry, asking him to be Lilibet’s godfather. Though honored, Perry joked about not wanting a traditional royal christening in the UK. Instead, he preferred a private moment.

In March 2023, Lilibet was christened at the family’s Montecito home in California by the Archbishop of Los Angeles. The private ceremony was attended by 20–30 guests. Perry flew in on a private jet and brought along a gospel choir for the occasion. Around this time, Harry and Meghan confirmed that their daughter would now use the title “Princess,” which they said was her right as the granddaughter of the reigning monarch.

Reflecting on his children, Harry shared a touching moment in the series. He said he sees a lot of Meghan in their son Archie, and a lot of his late mother, Princess Diana, in Lilibet—especially her “Spencer-like” blue eyes.