The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a notable appearance as a guest judge on the popular cooking show *MasterChef Australia* during the episode that aired on 26 July. Her participation follows a trip to Australia she undertook with her husband, Prince Harry, in April this year.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/prince-harry-meghan-markle-072626-9678cf7c4e0e43eaa45d6293f499d212.jpg)
During the episode, viewers were treated to an unexpected moment when Prince Harry surprised Meghan with a video call while the judges were sampling dishes prepared by contestants. As the camera shifted to Meghan, who was seated with the show’s panel, she exclaimed warmly, “Hi, my love! My husband’s here,” prompting waves from her fellow judges towards Harry, who joined from Canberra.
The duke, known for his light-hearted humour, playfully inquired whether he had interrupted something significant. In response, Meghan described the high calibre of the contestants: “We are actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes. We have four incredible cooks here. It’s amazing; they’re so talented. We wish you were here.” She also mentioned a particularly spicy sauce, bantering with Harry about its heat levels.
Following their exchange, Harry expressed his enjoyment of the moment, encouraging Meghan to savour the experience. As the call ended, the studio erupted in applause, with one contestant exclaiming, “That’s crazy!” showcasing the excitement of the unexpected interaction.
Before her television debut, Alexandria Funnell, a former post-producer for *MasterChef Australia*, shared insights through a TikTok video about Meghan’s guest judging experience. She conveyed positive feedback regarding Meghan’s interaction with the crew, noting, “She was so great,” and praised her approach to judging as well as her genuine and friendly demeanour.
The excitement surrounding Meghan’s stint on the show was first teased back in April when *MasterChef Australia* shared a photograph of the Duchess alongside judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow, and Sofia Levin on their official Instagram account. The post described her appearance as “SUPER special” and highlighted her first visit to Australia since 2018.
During Meghan and Harry’s recent visit, the couple engaged in various business and philanthropic activities. They had last been in Australia eight years prior for their first royal tour as a married couple, after which they stepped back from their royal duties two years later.
Meghan’s appearance on *MasterChef Australia* aligns well with her previous culinary engagements. She served as a guest judge on the Food Network’s *Chopped Junior* in 2016 and showcased her cooking skills in her Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan*. Known for sharing personal recipes and cooking moments on social media, Meghan notably created a dessert inspired by her daughter, Princess Lilibet, which she infused with a twist on her grandmother’s classic pudding recipe.
As the episode aired, many fans expressed their enthusiasm for Meghan’s involvement in the show, while others highlighted her growth and presence since entering the culinary field. With a flair for connecting with the audience, Meghan has made her mark not only in the realms of entertainment and philanthropy but also in the culinary world.
The Duchess’s guest appearance is set against a backdrop of significant developments in her life, both personal and professional. As public interest continues to follow Meghan and Harry, it is clear that their journey remains closely watched, particularly as they navigate their careers outside of royal expectations.
This edition of *MasterChef Australia* promises to leave viewers eager for more as it showcases both culinary talent and heartfelt personal connections, a testament to the engaging nature of the series. As the competition unfolds, Meghan’s presence undoubtedly adds a unique facet to this season’s narrative.