Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to appear as a surprise guest judge on “MasterChef Australia,” a newly released promo showing the four remaining contestants and their eliminated rivals visibly stunned as she walks into the Channel 10 kitchen.
The teaser, released July 22, begins with judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli introducing a mystery guest before Meghan steps forward in a chic black ensemble. As a table piled with fresh produce is unveiled, the duchess tells the room, “I love incredible produce and farm to table.”
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, 44, filmed the guest spot in April while touring Australia with Prince Harry, a four-day visit that mixed charity engagements with paid events. The couple, who left their roles as senior working royals six years ago, now live in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
A Mystery Box Built Around Seasonal Produce
In the episode, Meghan sets an immunity challenge for the Top 4 finalists — Aaron Kher, Vinnie, Petro Papathomas and Casper Kenworthy — presenting a Mystery Box filled with ingredients she likes cooking with herself. The box features seasonal items such as root vegetables, citrus fruits, Australian honey, macadamia nuts, and berries, all selected to celebrate what was in season during filming.
The duchess described the produce as nostalgic and encouraged the cooks to draw on family memories in their dishes. She also offered a glimpse of her own tastes, telling Network 10 she is a California girl drawn to grilled fish, grilled meats, citrus and fresh herbs such as basil and oregano. In a lighter moment on the promo, Meghan notes that her children eat Brussels sprouts, prompting one judge to call the feat impressive.
The winner of the challenge secures a coveted immunity pin, leaving that cook just one round away from the semifinals. Season 18 has brought in several notable culinary figures and celebrities, including renowned chefs and Australian personalities.
Contestants Recall a Genuine Surprise
The finalists were caught completely off guard by the appearance. When Meghan approached Aaron Kher’s workbench and said she was excited to try his dish, the contestant became flustered, fanning himself once she moved on and wondering aloud what his life had become. Viewers also got a taste of her feedback, with the duchess telling one cook, “I’m rubbing my temples because I can’t understand how this is so good.”
Papathomas said he recognized Meghan from her acting days and felt starstruck, finding her genuine, kind and knowledgeable about food. Kenworthy said her presence brought an unexpected calm to the set, noting that her ease in front of the camera helped the cooks relax.
Poh Ling Yeow, who introduced the duchess in the promo, noted that the show has welcomed MasterChef royalty before but no one quite like this guest. Meghan explained that the invitation was easy to accept, calling it an honor to judge the finalists’ meals.
A Divisive Booking and a Career Reinvention
The casting has split audiences. When news of the appearance first surfaced in April, a poll of more than 1,200 readers found just 8% said they were excited to see her on the program, with some questioning her cooking credentials and others cheering the booking.
Meghan, an actress who joined the British royal family through her 2018 marriage, has since repositioned herself in the lifestyle space following the couple’s royal exit. Her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan” ran for two seasons but was not renewed; a Christmas-themed special in 2025 marked her final appearance in that kitchen. The show drew mixed reviews from critics and posted poor ratings, though it later earned an Emmy nomination. She cut ties with Netflix earlier in 2026.
The duchess also fronts the lifestyle brand As Ever, whose products include dried flower sprinkles that featured heavily on her former series. As Ever is currently available only in the United States, though the name was trademarked in Australia in 2025. Her “MasterChef” appearance, for which she was not paid, is expected to include promotion of the brand — a point underscored when Meghan spots edible flowers while shopping the on-set fridge and voices her approval.
Reflecting on her approach in the kitchen, the duchess told the program that food and cooking are a love language for her, describing them as a meaningful way to connect with friends, family and her children. She said she urged the competitors to keep a sense of humor and cook from the heart. The teaser landed on the same day Prince George of Wales celebrated his 13th birthday.
