Meghan Markle's MasterChef Australia appearance fuels royalty‑term controversy

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, filmed a guest‑judge segment for MasterChef Australia during her and Prince Harry’s April 2026 visit to the country. The episode is scheduled to air on July 26, 2026.

Her team asked the production to omit any reference to the British royal family. In a promotional clip, judge Poh Ling Yeow introduced Markle with the line, “We’ve had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before but no one like this… the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.” The wording reportedly frustrated Markle’s representatives and left Yeow upset, prompting her to seek an apology that producers advised against.

Sources offered conflicting accounts. Some insiders claimed Meghan was “very frustrated” by the use of the word “royalty,” while a source close to the Sussexes told Page Six that she had a “great time” on set and that no frustration existed. The episode will feature Markle sharing cooking tips and personal anecdotes, including references to her children’s favorite foods.