Meghan Markle FaceTime Prince Harry during MasterChef Australia

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle faced criticism after staging a FaceTime call with Prince Harry on the set of MasterChef Australia. The mid-show interaction between the royal couple sparked online debate among viewers ahead of the hit cooking competition episode broadcast.

The News International reported that celebrity chef Jameson Stocks questioned the authenticity of the television segment, describing the moment as cold, calculated, and contrived. Stocks noted that individuals on an open television set generally do not keep mobile phones readily to hand, asserting that the interaction was clearly prearranged rather than spontaneous.

Stocks also addressed rumours regarding potential friction between the Duchess and MasterChef judge Poh Ling Leow during filming. The chef explained that Markle appears to clash with individuals who make her feel unimportant, drawing from his own experiences with people close to the Duchess. Stocks added that producers would have edited out any problematic footage if Markle felt strongly about the situation.

The chef, who was named one of the world's best chefs by GQ magazine, further commented on the public image maintained by the Sussexes. Stocks stated that Markle's positioning changes frequently between claiming royal status and stepping back, as well as demanding privacy before appearing with her children for photo opportunities.

The viral clip continues to fuel public discussion surrounding the royal couple as scrutiny grows ahead of the television broadcast. Despite the criticism, the Duchess once again finds herself at the centre of widespread debate regarding her media appearances.