Prince Harry's surprise video call to Meghan Markle during her guest judging appearance on MasterChef Australia sparked a sharply divided reaction among viewers, with some applauding the couple's warm interaction while others dismissed it as 'cringe' and contrived.
Surprise call during tasting
The Duke of Sussex made a brief appearance on Sunday's episode after telephoning the studio while Markle and the programme's regular judges were tasting dishes created by contestants. 'We had a phone call to the studio,' a member of the production team informed Markle as they passed her a phone.
Markle, 44, initially seemed unsure about the disruption before recognising Harry on the screen. She beamed and addressed him saying, 'Hi, my love!' Harry, 41, replied with an Australian-style salutation, 'G'day.'
Reaction from judges and audience
Judges Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin were amongst those spotted chuckling during the unexpected moment. Markle subsequently turned the phone towards the studio audience and declared, 'My husband's here.' Audience members applauded as Harry gave a wave from the screen.
'What's going on? Have I interrupted something important?' he enquired. 'Well, we're actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes,' Markle answered, directing the camera towards the plates she and the fellow judges had been assessing.
Introduction to contestants
The former Suits actor also introduced Harry to contestants Aaron Kher, Casper Kenworthy and Petro Papathomas. 'It's amazing,' she said. 'They're so talented.' Markle continued, 'We wish you were here,' before clarifying that Harry was in Canberra meeting with veterans. 'Well, go and enjoy it. I'm very sorry to disturb you. All is well here. I'll see you later,' Harry said before ending the call.
Divided social media reaction
The fleeting cameo sparked sharply divided reactions across social media. 'Wow, these two are so in love,' one viewer wrote on X. A further supporter commented: 'Prince Harry and Meghan will always do whatever it takes to show up and support one another, and it's one of the reasons their marriage is so successful.' However, another viewer was far less convinced, writing: 'Please stop with the contrived BS. Oh SURE Harry just happened to call a random phone number to talk to the Duchess while he knows she's filming. Sure.'
