Meghan Markle has been confirmed as a guest judge for MasterChef Australia, but her entitled demand for contestants to create a "dish fit for a Duchess" has sparked criticism. Showbiz Editor Jess Phillips argues that this move proves Meghan is not fit for life in either the Royal Family or Hollywood.
Meghan's MasterChef Role
The Duchess of Sussex filmed her appearance during a quasi-royal tour with Prince Harry earlier this year. First images show her alongside fellow judges Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin. Meghan wore a black dress with a slit, open collar, loose curls, and black heels.
Poh said on the show: "We've had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before but no-one like this." Meghan set the challenge for contestants to "create a dish fit for a Duchess," a demand Phillips calls "entitled in the extreme."
Clutching Royal Titles
Meghan stepped back from royal life in 2020 but continues to use her titles. She referred to herself as "Meghan Sussex" on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan and uses HRH titles in personal letters. Phillips suggests Meghan is clinging to the moniker "for dear life," possibly alarmed by King Charles stripping Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his titles.
Phillips writes: "Perhaps Meghan simply feels entitled to being Her Royal Highness despite not being a part of the Royal Family Britain pays its taxes to. Perhaps she just wants to feel important."
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Rumours suggest Meghan kicked off when cast referred to her as "royalty." Either she agreed to be called Duchess or she rowed about it, reportedly leaving the set "frustrated." Phillips argues: "Without her royal ties, Meghan wouldn't have even been invited onto the programme." She notes that MasterChef Australia or Netflix would not employ her if she were simply an actress from Suits.
Meghan said: "What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes." She added: "It's such a great show. I'm just really honoured that I was asked to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals."
Outfit and Style Comparison
Phillips compares Meghan's outfit to that of fellow judge Sofia Levin, who wore a stunning white two-piece with a floor-length skirt and colourful flowers. Phillips suggests Levin's nod to Princess Catherine's style "speaks volumes." Meghan's split skirt indicates she is "clearly not ready to commit to the more restrictive life back in the UK."
Caught Between Two Worlds
Phillips concludes that Meghan cannot go back to her Hollywood life and cannot make a home in the UK. She is "caught between a rock and a hard place" regarding her titles. Phillips asks: "So where does Meghan fit? Clearly not in a quiet Montecito life with Harry, seeing as though she's so determined to elbow herself back into the public eye."
