Meghan Markle’s on-screen dad has seemingly defended the duchess in his latest TV programme.

Wendell Pierce, who played the dad of Meghan’s character Rachel Zane in the US hit series Suits, referred to the duchess in his new CBS show.

The comment is believed to be a dig at the press.

In one episode of the show Elsbeth on January 30, the character Elsbeth (played by Carrie Preston) is investigating a holistic wellness centre after a patient is found dead in his car.

As reported by US Weekly, Elsbeth gets a bad feeling about the facility’s founder (played by Eric McCormack) after getting the case assignment from Captain Wagner, played by Pierce.

Captain Wagner says on the episode: “The last place he (the victim) was seen was some fancy spa where celebrities and the royals go to.”

Wagner, played by Pierce, then said on the show: “The global press was already trying to frame Meghan Markle, and she wasn’t even there!”

Pierce, 61, worked with Meghan on Suits for a number of years, with the actor believed to still be friends with the duchess

He is not the only co-star to remain in touch with Meghan, who is also good friends with former co-star Abigail Spencer, who has taken to Instagram many times to praise the duchess, 43.

Meghan left her role in Suits amid her engagement to Prince Harry, which saw her move over to the UK.

However, after being married for less than two years, the couple decided to quit their senior royal roles and move to America in 2020, where they have lived in a sprawling Montecito mansion for the last five years.

Despite no longer being working royals, Meghan and Harry have kept their titles of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.