The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia in an episode aired on July 26, 2026, filmed during her and Prince Harry’s visit to Australia in April of the same year. During the episode, contestants were challenged to create a dish using Brussels sprouts, an ingredient Meghan revealed her children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, enjoy eating.
Meghan joined the regular judging panel, which includes Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow, and Sofia Levin, and encouraged contestants to approach the cooking challenge with a relaxed mindset. She emphasized the importance of having fun and cooking from the heart, describing food and cooking as her way of expressing love toward family and friends. She noted her preference for cooking in a calm environment, contrasting the pressured kitchen atmosphere of the competition.
A surprise video call from Prince Harry, who was visiting veterans in Canberra at the time, added an unexpected moment during Meghan’s judging segment. Meghan greeted Harry warmly on camera, calling him a “charmer” after the call ended. The couple spoke briefly about the dishes presented by contestants, with Harry joking about interrupting, and Meghan praising the talent of the cooks. She also shared insights into the family’s differing tastes, noting Harry’s preference for traditional British fare such as meat, potatoes, and cream sauce, while she favored grilled meats, fish, and citrus.
The episode was part of the 18th season of MasterChef Australia, and Meghan’s participation came amid their week-long trip to the country during which the couple engaged with mental health organizations, Invictus veterans, and survivors of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Meghan reflected on the visit as a significant and sentimental experience, recalling that she and Harry had been in Australia nearly eight years prior when they announced they were expecting Archie.
Meghan’s appearance received mixed reactions from viewers. Some expressed criticism, finding the video call from Harry “cringey” and feeling it detracted from the focus on cooking, while others supported her presence, appreciating her warmth and enthusiasm on the show. Meghan, who lives in Montecito, California, has a known passion for food, having sold her own jam and hosted a Netflix lifestyle series, which was recently nominated for an Emmy in the lifestyle category.
During the episode, Meghan revealed details about the couple’s approach to family meals, stressing the importance of spending time together through food. She encouraged contestants to enjoy the cooking process and to embrace creativity, citing ingredients such as Australian honey, macadamia nuts, and citrus as part of the challenge’s larder. Her interaction with the chefs and judges highlighted her connection to both Australian culture and her family life, underscoring her personal affection for cooking and hospitality.