Meghan Markle is set to make her anticipated television comeback in just days, as a special episode of MasterChef Australia featuring the Duchess of Sussex as a guest judge will air on Sunday, July 26. The episode was filmed during Meghan and Prince Harry's trip to Australia in April, and a teaser released at the time showed her entering the kitchen to cheers from contestants.
Episode Details and Guest Judge Role
In the episode, Meghan tasks the contestants with creating a dish fit for a Duchess, focusing on one seasonal ingredient. Available ingredients include carrots, brussels sprouts, lemons, apples, local Australian honey, and macadamia nuts. Contestants must explain the personal story or memory connected to their chosen produce. Meghan samples each dish alongside judges Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.
According to Mediaweek, 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 able to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals."
Meghan's Culinary Background and Audience Reaction
Meghan has established herself in the culinary world through her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, which has produced two seasons and a holiday special. During the episode, she encourages contestants to draw on nostalgia, saying: "These are all things that, for me, feel really nostalgic. I'd love it if there's a connection that you can find when, as you're cooking something, what is the story behind it?… What is something from your family or from a memory…something sentimental that we can also taste as we taste your dish."
Aussie audiences are divided over her inclusion, as guest judge spots are usually reserved for professional chefs. One frustrated viewer wrote: "Are we serious? She's only a home cook," while another said they were "grossly disappointed." However, some fans are excited, with one writing: "Looking forward to this! She's a passionate foodie, and also a health and wellness/intentional living advocate. I think she'll bring such an extra dimension to the MasterChef table."
