A surprise cameo by Prince Harry has overshadowed Meghan Markle‘s latest television appearance, according to some critics. The duke briefly joined the duchess via FaceTime during her guest spot on “MasterChef Australia,” creating one of the episode’s most talked-about moments. While the interaction appeared lighthearted, it also sparked debate across social media. Now, a brand expert has questioned whether Markle is relying on Harry’s royal star power to keep attention on her projects.
Expert questions Meghan Markle’s dependency on Prince Harry’s royal power during MasterChef Australia
Meghan Markle appeared as a special guest on “MasterChef Australia” during an episode filmed in Melbourne earlier this year. As part of the challenge, contestants were asked to create a dish “fit for a Duchess.” The meals featured ingredients associated with Markle, including strawberries, lemons, artichokes, and edible flowers popularized through her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.”
Then, the episode took an unexpected turn. A stagehand reportedly interrupted the tasting to tell Markle there was a phone call waiting for her. Shortly afterward, Prince Harry appeared on a FaceTime call from Canberra. During the brief conversation, he greeted the contestants and judges before commenting on the chandeliers inside the “MasterChef” studio.
The moment appeared to delight those in the kitchen. However, reactions online were more divided. Several viewers questioned whether the surprise was genuine. Since the episode had been filmed months before it aired, some social media users called the cameo “staged.”
Amid the online discussion, brand expert Sharon Williams also shared her views, as reported by News 24. Speaking after the episode aired, Williams questioned why Harry needed to be included in Markle’s television appearance. “I think the appearance on MasterChef of Harry is rather nauseating,” she said.
According to the expert, Markle “needs him to get her attention and she is using her Royal connection.” What’s more, Williams claimed the FaceTime segment did not feel spontaneous. Referring to the fact that the episode had been pre-recorded, she argued there was “no real surprise.” She later called the sequence “cringeworthy,” aligning herself with viewers who believed the moment had been carefully planned.
Nonetheless, the reaction was not entirely negative. Inside the studio, contestants and judges appeared genuinely pleased to see Harry join the conversation. Needless to say, the cameo became one of the episode’s most talked-about moments.
