Meghan Markle's upcoming role as co-host of Junior MasterChef Australia is drawing criticism, with a petition and Melbourne locals questioning her suitability for the job.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, will fly to Melbourne in 2027 to co-host the show, following her guest appearance on the main MasterChef Australia series last April during a tour of the country with Prince Harry.
Backlash from locals and petition
Hundreds of people have signed a petition against her getting the role, and a street survey in Melbourne found many locals responding with the same question: "Why her?"
Selby Witteveen, 77, formerly of Hythe in Kent before moving to Australia, said: "She thinks she is a chef. Somebody had paid for her to come. She just wants money. She is there only trading on royalty, which she is no longer."
Rosa, 76, added: "I think it's a joke. Why do we need her? We have so many Australians that could do that job. I'm not a fan of hers. I think we should get an Australian to do it."
Previous TV appearances and viewership
Meghan was known in the US for her role in the TV show Suits before marrying Prince Harry. Her recent TV appearances include preparing party food on her Netflix show 'With Love, Meghan' and an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
During her guest appearance on MasterChef Australia in April, one contestant called Casper said of cooking for her: "Cooking for her is crazy!" He later cut himself with a peeler and added: "It's kinda embarrassing."
On the show, Meghan commented: "I just like using pure, natural herbs and spices."
Australia's culinary credentials
Australia received its first-ever Michelin stars earlier this month, with inspectors awarding 10 restaurants one star and one eatery two stars, all in South Australia.
Producers may have been drawn to Meghan for her star power: her guest appearance on MasterChef in April delivered 1.6 million viewers.
