After a very long time away from broadcast television, Meghan Markle returned to the compact screen Sunday, appearing as a guest judge on MasterChef
After a very long time away from broadcast television, Meghan Markle returned to the compact screen Sunday, appearing as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia. The show, which is patterned after the British series that arguably brought Gordon Ramsay to the world’s attention, airs on Australia’s Network 10.
For its 18th season, which kicked off on April 19, judges Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Poh Ling Yeow evaluate dishes prepared by a curated list of chefs with food fame aspirations. Allen, the winner of the show’s fourth season, is also the novel parent of a son born April 13. As a result, he took a paternity leave from the show, temporarily opening up a slot on the judging roster.
That’s where Meghan Markle came in. On Sunday’s episode, Poh informed contestants that Allen’s seat would be filled by a very special guest, as the Duchess of Sussex entered the room. “Welcome. Do I call you Duchess?” Poh asked. “Oh, call me Meghan,” she replied. “Absolutely, yeah.”
Despite the As Ever founder’s casual tone, the challenge was resolutely formal. Markle instructed contestants prepare a dish “fit for a Duchess,” with a hand-picked ingredient list likely familiar to fans of With Love, Meghan, including celeriac, citrus, edible flowers. honey, and macadamia nuts.
Later in the episode, Markle was “surprised” by a video call from husband Prince Harry. “What’s going on? Have I interrupted something important?” Harry asked as a crew member handed Markle her phone.
“Well, we are actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes. We have four incredible cooks here. It’s amazing, they’re so talented. We wish you were here,” Meghan replied. “He’s in Canberra right now with the veterans,” Markle said in an aside.
“I wish you could try this. These dishes are fantastic,” she told her husband. “It’s really delicious, and there’s a hot sauce that, well, you know me … it is so good,” she said, before making a statement that suggests Harry will not be sitting down for a Hot Ones interview. “I think it might be too much for you. It’s spicy.”
“Well, go and enjoy it,” Harry responded, apparently unwilling to defend his tolerance for spice. “I’m very sorry to disturb you. All is well here. I’ll see you later.”
