Meghan Markle's newly announced role as co-host on Junior MasterChef Australia has sparked immediate backlash, with a petition launched against her casting and criticism from the public in Melbourne. The move comes shortly after her return to the UK with Prince Harry, raising questions about the couple's long-term direction.
Public Reaction in Australia
A petition against her casting was launched almost immediately after the announcement. On the streets of Melbourne, ordinary Australians expressed their disapproval, with one former British resident saying: "She thinks she is a chef... She just wants money. She is there only trading on royalty, which she is no longer."
The backlash comes as Australia celebrates its first-ever batch of Michelin stars awarded across South Australia, with the country boasting world-class chefs and seasoned food critics. Critics argue that Channel 10 executives overlooked local talent in favour of a former American cable actress whose chief credential is marrying into the British Royal Family.
Commercial Motivations
Channel 10's decision appears driven by ratings potential rather than culinary expertise. Meghan's guest appearance earlier this year attracted 1.6 million viewers, and network bosses reportedly saw commercial value in pairing her with fan-favourite Poh Ling Yeow.
The unease stems from what this move signals about the Sussexes' long-term direction. For months, the narrative surrounding their move back to the UK was about finding stability and grounding their family, yet trading that base to film a commercial entertainment show 10,000 miles away feels disjointed.
Ongoing Tension
The move highlights the unresolved tension that has followed the couple since they stepped back from frontline duties: the contradiction of walking away from royal life while continuing to trade on the Duchess title for commercial gain abroad.
An American tourist in Melbourne shrugged that Meghan's antics don't even make her "top 100 issues," and another shopper mistook her for Angela Merkel. The question "Why her?" from Australians reflects a sentiment that Australia didn't need an imported Duchess to teach its children how to cook.
As long as television executives are willing to pay for the banquet, Meghan will keep serving it up, whether the public has an appetite for it or not.
