Meghan Markle's upcoming appearance as a guest judge on "MasterChef Australia" has ignited a polarized response online, drawing both praise and calls for a boycott, according to royal experts. These experts suggest that the debate surrounding her role may be as significant as the episode itself, potentially serving to amplify the show's reach and Markle's brand.
Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to appear in an upcoming episode, bringing her "love of food, entertaining and seasonal produce" to a challenge focused on creating "a dish fit for a Duchess" using her favorite ingredients. She filmed the episode in April during a visit to Australia with her husband, Prince Harry. "What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes," Markle stated in a press release. She described food and cooking as a "love language" and a way to connect and express nurturing.
Social media reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some users expressed enthusiasm for her appearance, with comments like "Can’t wait to watch it!!!" and "I love this for her… she is working and finding opportunities for herself." Conversely, critics questioned her qualifications, with one user writing, "Why? She’s not a chef??? Not interested!" and another stating, "Can't stand her. She's not a chef."
Royal experts believe the controversy is not necessarily detrimental. Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that "Every time Meghan’s name gets in the papers, even if it is negative, it builds up the power of her brand." He added that the publicity could help "hype the show before it starts" and that Markle was chosen to "boost the ratings of the show."
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster, argued that professional cooking experience is not a prerequisite for celebrity guest judges, citing past instances like Steve Irwin appearing on the show without being a chef. "So it’s not really about culinary credentials," Chard said. Markle's previous ventures include her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan," which focused on lifestyle, cooking, and gardening tips, and her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Despite its recent cancellation after two seasons, "With Love, Meghan" received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for outstanding lifestyle series.
However, other royal commentators expressed skepticism about Markle's ability to reset her public perception. Kinsey Schofield noted that "People are talking more about why she's judging than what she's judging." She suggested that an "image reset only works if the audience buys into the new image, and right now many viewers still see a disconnect between Meghan's branding and her actual experience or authority in this space." Schofield also pointed to a potential "Meghan fatigue" among some viewers, where each project carries significant baggage.
Fitzwilliams echoed this sentiment, stating that "a great many viewers feel this way" about Meghan fatigue. He also linked Markle's return to food to her broader business ambitions, hoping it would boost sales for her As Ever products. Schofield cautioned that "People often react to the brand before they react to the product," which is a challenge for a personality-driven business model.
Questions have also been raised about Markle's credibility as a judge. Schofield commented, "Celebrity guest judges aren't expected to have Michelin stars, but they do need to bring something credible to the table." She added that Markle is "still trying to establish herself as an authority in this space while much of the audience sees her as someone playing a part."
Hilary Fordwich opined that Markle's polarizing image means the appearance could "backfire," asserting that she "has no credentials" and "doesn't come across as authentic." Fordwich suggested that given the perceived lackluster ratings of her previous cooking-related endeavors, this appearance on an established show is her current option.
In contrast, royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner offered a more optimistic view, calling Markle a "master at reinventions." He highlighted her past charitable work with London's Hubb Community Kitchen following the Grenfell Tower fire, where she helped publish a cookbook to raise funds. Turner believes Markle possesses a "people's touch" and that her initiative and drive would resonate with Australian audiences.
Ultimately, the experts agree that the success of Markle's appearance hinges on whether the generated buzz translates into viewership. "Meghan guarantees headlines, and headlines translate into curiosity," Schofield said. "Whether that curiosity becomes ratings or resentment is the million-dollar question."