Meghan Markle Guest Judges MasterChef Australia at 44 as Backlash and Boycott Calls Build
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 25
Meghan Markle Guest Judges MasterChef Australia at 44 as Backlash and Boycott Calls Build
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 25
Summary
Sunday's episode of "MasterChef Australia" will feature 44-year-old Meghan Markle as a guest judge after she filmed the appearance during an April visit to Australia with Prince Harry.
Markle said she joined because of her love of food and Australia, with contestants asked to create a "dish fit for a Duchess" using her preferred seasonal ingredients.
Social media reaction split quickly between fans praising the booking and critics questioning why a non-chef was judging, with some commenters calling for a boycott.
Royal commentators said that polarization may be the point: the cameo could lift ratings and strengthen Markle's lifestyle brand even if it deepens what some described as "Meghan fatigue."
The appearance extends her post-royal food push after Netflix launched "With Love, Meghan" in 2025, canceled it in January 2026, and the show later still landed a Daytime Emmy nomination.