Meghan Markle appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, surprising contestants who applauded her as she entered the studio. The episode was filmed during her April visit to Australia with Prince Harry.
Surprise appearance and ingredient selection
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, joined judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli in the kitchen. She chose ingredients for the contestants, telling them they had "quite the bounty."
During the challenge, Meghan revealed that her children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, "eat Brussels sprouts."
Meghan on cooking as a love language
Meghan spoke about her passion for cooking, saying: "Food and cooking to me is really a love language. I think it's such a great way to connect. It's something that can feel sentimental and meaningful and it's how I show my nurturing and love for my friends, family, and my kids."
Behind-the-scenes footage showed her smiling as she interacted with the judges and contestants. Earlier this month, her appearance was announced, with Meghan explaining: "What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes. It's such a great show. I'm just really honoured that I was asked to be able to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals."
Controversy over 'royalty' remark
The appearance followed controversy over the show's promotional clip, in which judge Poh Ling Yeow said: "We've had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before, but nothing like this." According to News.com.au, Meghan and her team were not pleased with the wording, as they had reportedly made clear they wanted the word 'royal' not to be used.
An insider claimed the couple were "very frustrated." Poh Ling was said to be "upset" over the fallout, with a source telling New Idea: "It wasn't about Meghan personally. Poh felt she had been unintentionally drawn into a royal protocol issue she never intended to be part of."
