Meghan Markle has made a notable entrance on the set of MasterChef Australia, where she was introduced in a manner befitting her royal status. The Duchess of Sussex, who appeared as a guest judge, filmed her segment in Melbourne during a recent visit alongside her husband, Prince Harry. This surprise appearance delighted contestants, many of whom were eager to impress the Duchess with their culinary skills.
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According to Australia’s 10 News, the highly anticipated episode features Meghan expressing her passion for cooking. A teaser of the show displayed an unforgettable introduction by judge Poh Ling Yeow, who enthusiastically welcomed Markle by saying, “All the way from sunny California, please welcome to MasterChef Australia…the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle!” This royal introduction sparked discussions about how the couple prefers to be addressed during their Australian visit.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s trip marks their first visit to Australia in eight years, a return since their inaugural royal tour as newlyweds in 2018. During their engagements, which included stops at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum, the couple’s titles and preferred names were a topic of conversation. At the art museum, poet Steve Cotterill asked how the couple would like to be addressed, to which Prince Harry replied, “However you like,” while Meghan suggested that she could simply be called “Meg,” a familiar nickname.
At the Royal Children’s Hospital, staff inquired about the appropriate way to address Prince Harry and Meghan. An aide clarified that “Harry and Meghan” would suffice, revealing a relaxed attitude from the couple regarding their titles. This contrasts with the formalities often associated with royalty, indicating a more casual approach during their current engagements in Australia.
Their interactions during this visit have significantly highlighted their connection to their royal titles. Meghan revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in 2025 that the name Sussex holds particular importance for her and her family. She expressed pride in the shared family name, especially in the context of their children, Archie and Lilibet. “It means a lot to me,” she noted, highlighting the personal significance of the title within their family dynamics.
Despite stepping back from their royal duties in early 2020, both Prince Harry and Meghan retain their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their children are still formally recognised as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple’s commitment to their names was also shown when Meghan corrected Mindy Kaling, who referred to her by her maiden name, during an episode of her series. Meghan emphasised her preference for being called by her title and her desire to associate her identity with her family.
Alongside her MasterChef appearance, it was announced that Meghan will be involved as a participant and investor in OneOff, an AI-powered fashion discovery platform. Her name is featured prominently on the homepage of the platform, illustrating her continued involvement in entrepreneurial ventures.
As their visit continues, Meghan and Harry are engaging with various community-focused events, underlining their philanthropic ethos. They are keen to foster connections with Australian charities and initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact during their time in the country.
Meghan’s episode on MasterChef Australia is set to air soon, as the latest series of the culinary competition begins on April 19. Given her passion for food and entertaining, this appearance adds another layer to her evolving public persona beyond her royal titles. Meghan has previously showcased her culinary interests through her lifestyle blog, “The Tig,” and a guest stint on Food Network’s Chopped Junior in 2016, solidifying her status as an advocate for cooking and culture.
With each engagement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate their roles in the public eye, balancing royal titles with personal identity while fostering connections back to their roots. Their ongoing activities underscore a desire to engage more deeply with the communities they visit, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity in their approach.