Tyler Perry made a telling request of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the couple moved out of his Los Angeles mansion, it has been claimed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stayed at one of the US star's lavish homes in California in 2020, after relocating from Canada.
Harry and Meghan remained at the Beverly Hills property until July 2020, when they moved to their permanent residence in Montecito, California. According to the duchess, as the Sussexes were settling into their new home, Mr Perry sent them a grand piano as a housewarming gift, accompanied by a specific request.
A Grand Piano and a Life's Soundtrack
Meghan claimed that Mr Perry asked the couple to "write the soundtrack of their life". The Sussexes showed their gratitude two years later when the US actor became Princess Lilibet's godfather.
Lilibet was born on June 4 2021 in California and was christened almost two years later, in March 2023. Harry and Meghan called their friend to ask him to take on the role.
Tyler Perry's Reaction to the Godfather Role
Speaking in their Netflix docuseries, Mr Perry recalled the telephone call in which they made the request. He said: "They said, 'We'd like for you to be Lili's godfather.' I go, 'Whoa.' I had to take a minute to take that in. And I thought, I'd be honoured. I'd absolutely be honoured."
Estate Put Up for Sale
Despite the fond memories, Mr Perry is now selling his lavish California estate for £43million ($57million), it has emerged. According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the story, the property is among the priciest listings in Beverly Hills.
Mr Perry did not comment on the sale, but he recently announced plans to move to Puerto Rico. In June, the media mogul also listed his property in Jackson for £30million ($39.5million). Santiago Arana, of The Agency estate agent, said: "He's spending less and less time [in California]."
Mr Perry bought the property for £3.2million ($4.3million) and completed its construction in 2012. Chateau Reve features eight bedrooms, a separate one-bedroom guesthouse, and staff quarters. The Mediterranean-style mansion offers "an extraordinary expression of privacy, security, and exclusivity", according to the agency, which added on the listing: "This landmark residence balances timeless grandeur with thoughtful functionality, creating a true trophy property for the most discerning collector of fine real estate."
