Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to appear as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, sparking a divided reaction on social media. The show’s announcement was met with both praise and criticism, with some fans expressing excitement and others calling for a boycott.

Background

Markle, who filmed the episode during her visit to Australia with her husband Prince Harry in April, explained that she was drawn to the show because of her love of food and Australia. The episode will feature Markle judging a challenge where contestants must create a dish using her favorite seasonal ingredients.

Some royal experts have weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that the backlash may be just as important as the episode itself. Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, told Fox News Digital that the attention surrounding Markle’s appearance could ultimately benefit both the duchess and the cooking competition.

Public Reaction

The polarized reaction to Markle’s latest gig underscores a familiar pattern for the Duchess of Sussex, whose post-royal ventures have often generated as much controversy as publicity. While some fans have expressed enthusiasm for her appearance on the show, others have questioned her qualifications as a guest judge.

Markle’s appearance on MasterChef Australia is not her first foray into the food and lifestyle world. In 2025, her lifestyle and reality show, With Love, Meghan, premiered on Netflix, featuring cooking, gardening, and entertaining tips alongside celebrity guests.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.