The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, according to a newly released promotional video. The episode was filmed during Meghan Markle's visit to Australia with Prince Harry in April and is scheduled to air on Sunday.
The promo shows Markle entering the MasterChef kitchen, where she is introduced by judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli. Upon her arrival, Markle expressed her enthusiasm for the show, stating, "I love incredible produce and farm to table." A table laden with fresh fruits and vegetables was then unveiled to the contestants.
One contestant, Aaron Kher, appeared visibly flustered by Markle's presence. The promo also featured glimpses of dishes prepared by the contestants, with one creation prompting Markle to remark, "Rubbing my temples because I can't understand how this is so good."
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Reports have surfaced suggesting that Markle and her team were unhappy with how the MasterChef Australia producers referred to her. In a promotional clip released on the same day as filming, judge Poh Ling Yeow introduced Markle as "MasterChef royalty" and "The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle." According to reports citing sources, this introduction left Poh feeling "upset" and unintentionally involved in a "royal protocol issue."
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Sources indicated that Poh wished to apologize to Markle directly but was advised by the production team to let them handle the situation. A separate insider claimed that Poh was willing to reach out immediately but was instead instructed to let production manage the matter.