Meghan Markle allegedly "kicked off" during a guest appearance on MasterChef Australia because she did not want to be introduced using her royal title. The Duchess of Sussex is said to have objected to being marketed as "Duchess", instead insisting: "Just call me Meghan", Daily Express associate editor James Walker claimed on an episode of the Daily Expresso podcast. Meghan has not publicly responded.
Alleged Disagreement Over Royal Title
James said: "Apparently, she's had a meltdown." In response, GB News presenter Mark Dolan replied: "Another public relations dumpster fire. More negative headlines. What do the Sussexes specialise in? Misery."
James then outlined what he said he had been told about the alleged disagreement. "So, what I'm hearing is that Meghan kicked off and that she doesn't want to be royal and she doesn't want to be marketed as Duchess. And, of course, on camera she said just call me Meghan," he claimed.
MasterChef Australia Appearance
The Duchess recently made a surprise appearance on MasterChef Australia, joining contestants for a challenge centred around food and entertaining. The cameo formed part of Meghan's continued push into the lifestyle space following the launch of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, which focuses on cooking, gardening and hosting.
James argued that the television appearance should have been a perfect opportunity to strengthen the image Meghan has been building through her lifestyle ventures. "The whole thing should have just been a great moment for the Meghan brand," he said.
He argued that MasterChef Australia was a natural fit for the Duchess, given her recent focus on cooking, entertaining and gardening through With Love, Meghan, adding that it could have reinforced the domestic lifestyle image she has been cultivating.
Comparison to Martha Stewart
James also suggested Meghan had been attempting to establish herself as a lifestyle personality similar to American businesswoman Martha Stewart. "So Meghan was going to be that," he said. "This was an opportunity to remind the world that Meghan is really passionate about food, about great ingredients."
Discussing the significance of the programme, James said MasterChef Australia attracts huge audiences and provides celebrities with a major international platform.
Meanwhile, Mr Dolan questioned how what should have been a straightforward television appearance had allegedly become controversial. "You go on a show like MasterChef Australia. It's a very pleasant experience," he said, describing television productions as typically welcoming environments for celebrity guests.
Lifestyle Focus Since Stepping Back
The Duchess has increasingly focused on lifestyle projects since stepping back from royal duties with Prince Harry in 2020. Alongside With Love, Meghan, she has launched her As Ever brand, which includes food and homeware products and forms part of her broader move into the lifestyle sector.
Neither Meghan nor her representatives have publicly commented on the claims.
