Meghan Markle tells MasterChef Australia contestants to call her Meghan
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle set a culinary challenge during a guest appearance on MasterChef Australia
Meghan Markle appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia on July 26, 2026, stepping in alongside judge Poh Ling Yeow to evaluate the remaining contestants in an immunity challenge. Filmed during a visit to Australia in April, the appearance saw the Duchess of Sussex set a special task centred around nostalgic, seasonal ingredients, requiring participants to create a dish fit for a duchess.
The Daily Mail reported that Markle asked contestants to address her simply as Meghan, insisting that the competitors drop her formal royal title during filming. However, promotional materials released before the broadcast sparked public debate, as marketing campaigns continued to use her royal designation despite management requests to remove references to her title.
During the episode, Markle provided participants with a selection of ingredients including celeriac, citrus, macadamia nuts, honey, and edible flowers. Reflecting on her return to the country, she described the trip as an emotional moment, recalling that she and Prince Harry had previously announced her pregnancy during their 2018 visit. She noted that cooking serves as her love language and represents how she displays care for her family.
The broadcast also featured an unexpected video call from Prince Harry, who dialed in while visiting veterans in Canberra. Markle spoke with her husband on camera while showing him the dishes prepared in the studio kitchen. Markle was not paid for her cameo on the programme, which aired in Australia at 7:00 pm.
