Meghan Markle made her highly anticipated debut on MasterChef Australia on Sunday, appearing as a guest judge. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was all smiles as she entered the kitchen, standing in for Andy Allen who was on paternity leave. Filmed in April during Prince Harry and Meghan's tour Down Under, the episode aired on Network 10.
Meghan asks to be called by first name
When host Poh Ling Yeow asked how she preferred to be addressed—'Do I call you Duchess?'—Meghan opted to drop the official title, responding: 'Oh, call me Meghan. Absolutely, yeah.' The move comes amid reports of behind-the-scenes tension where her team requested producers avoid using the term 'royalty' in promotional teasers.
Body language analysis reveals pride
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman analysed Meghan's reactions throughout the episode. Around 55 minutes in, a chef remarked, 'It’s not every day that a duchess…' Honigman noted: 'When Meghan hears the word duchess, her face changes into a subtle superior pout.' She explained that Meghan tilted her head back, looking down her nose, with a raised chin and jutting jaw—a defiant expression as if she knows she’s a duchess against all odds. 'Being a duchess, remaining a duchess has been a hard battle for her and she’s proud that she is in fact a duchess.' The pout, with lips closed but unclenched, suggested she was suppressing a smile, 'beyond delighted to be described as a duchess.'
Reactions from contestants and chefs
Honigman observed that contestants were nervous around Meghan, sweating, gazing downwards, and shaking, 'out of their depth in the presence of royalty.' Meghan appeared flattered and pleased, gazing at them with softened eyes. The professional chefs showed signs of pure delight—wide smiles, straight backs, raised heads—reflecting joy at having 'such a phenomenal, impressive guest.'
