Meghan Markle’s “MasterChef Australia” appearance is already generating buzz. However, not all of it has been positive. After the network confirmed when her guest judge episode would air, social media quickly filled with a mix of excitement, criticism, and jokes. While some fans praised the Duchess of Sussex’s involvement, others questioned whether she belonged in the “MasterChef” kitchen at all.
Meghan Markle’s MasterChef episode announcement met with jokes
Meghan Markle is set to make her guest judge debut on “MasterChef Australia” later this month. Channel 10 has confirmed that the episode will air on July 26 at 7 p.m., months after first revealing her involvement during her and Prince Harry’s visit to Australia.
The broadcaster also shared more details about her appearance. According to Channel 10, Markle will oversee a challenge centered on seasonal Australian produce. Contestants will be asked to prepare a dish using ingredients such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, Australian honey, macadamia nuts, quince, Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac, lemons, apples, mandarins, and strawberries.
For the Duchess of Sussex, though, the challenge is about more than cooking. “What attracted me to the ‘MasterChef Australia’ kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes,” she said in a statement released by the network.
She also explained that she hopes contestants bring emotion to their dishes. “I’d love it if there’s a connection that you can find,” Markle said. She encouraged the remaining cooks to think about family memories and personal stories, adding that those moments can be just as important as the ingredients on the plate.
That said, the announcement did not receive a warm welcome from everyone. Soon after Channel 10 revealed the air date, social media users began sharing sarcastic reactions. “Why she even on?,” one commenter asked. Another wrote, “The judge we never needed.”
One user joked, “She will teach you how to put pretzel from one bag to another bag,” while another questioned her credentials, “She’s not a chef??? Not interested!”
At the same time, many viewers came to Markle’s defense. “I know she’s going to be great,” one supporter wrote. Another commented, “I have been waiting for so long!!! Can’t wait!!!” A third added, “Looking fabulous too!! Love Meghan.”
The divided response comes despite Markle’s growing presence in the lifestyle space through her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” and her brand, As Ever. While those projects have centered on food, hosting and home living, her “MasterChef Australia” appearance has still received divided opinions.
