Meghan Markle's 'MasterChef Australia' controversy may be exactly the point: experts

Meghan Markle's upcoming appearance on "MasterChef Australia" has already sparked debate, with royal experts telling Fox News Digital the backlash may be just as important as the episode itself.

The hit reality cooking series announced in an Instagram post that the 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex would be joining the show as a guest judge for Sunday's episode, writing that Markle will be "bringing her love of food, entertaining and seasonal produce to one of the competition's most memorable challenges."

In a press release, Markle, who filmed the episode during her visit to Australia with her husband Prince Harry in April, explained why she wanted to take part in the episode.

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"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 said.

"It’s such a great show," she continued. "I’m just really honored that I was asked to be able to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals."

The press release noted that the cooks will take on the challenge of creating "a dish fit for a Duchess" using some of Markle's "favorite seasonal ingredients."

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In a preview of the episode that appeared on Sydney's 10 News, Markle appeared alongside season 18 "MasterChef Australia" judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Markle introduced her chosen ingredients, noting that the chefs had "quite the bounty her" and proudly sharing that her children Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, "eat Brussels sprouts."

"That’s impressive," Levin said.

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"Food and cooking to me is really a love language," Markle explained later in the preview. "I think it’s such a great way to connect. It’s something that can feel sentimental and meaningful and It’s how I, it’s how I show my nurturing and love for my friends, family, and my kids."

Following the announcement, Markle's participation in "MasterChef Australia" was quickly met with a divided reaction on social media, earning both praise from supporters and calls for a boycott from critics.

"Why? She’s not a chef??? Not interested!" one Instagram user wrote.

"Can't stand her. She's not a chef," another agreed, adding, "Why is she even on this show."

"Thanks for the heads-up and making it easier to avoid," one critic commented as another chimed in, "Definitely won't watch it!"

"First time since the beginning of this show, that I WON’T be watching, first time!!" another detractor wrote.

However, others expressed their excitement over seeing Markle's appearance.

"Can’t wait to watch it!!!" one social media user commented.

"I'll be WATCHING!!" another added.

"I know she will do a great job," a fan enthused.

"I CAN'T WAIT!! WE LOVE YOU PRINCESS MEGHAN," another supporter wrote.

"I love this for her… she is working and finding opportunities for herself," one fan added.

"All the people saying they won’t watch are the first ones who will be watching and later criticizing," another commenter wrote. "I can’t wait to watch! Love Meghan!"

Markle's appearance also made headlines and fueled debate online after a report claimed her team requested that she not be referred to as "royalty" during filming.

The polarized reaction to Markle's latest gig underscores a familiar pattern for the Duchess of Sussex, whose post-royal ventures have often generated as much controversy as publicity.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital the attention surrounding Markle's appearance, whether positive or negative, could ultimately benefit both the duchess and the cooking competition.

"Every time Meghan’s name gets in the papers, even if it is negative, it builds up the power of her brand," he said. "It also helps to hype the show before it starts."

"She was chosen as a guest judge to boost the ratings of the show," Fitzwilliams added.

While Markle's role has prompted questions about her qualifications, British broadcaster Helena Chard argued that professional cooking experience isn't necessarily a requirement for a celebrity guest judge.

"I don’t believe she’s a qualified chef. But then, they’ve had Steve Irwin as a guest judge before and he wasn’t a chef either," she pointed out. "So it’s not really about culinary credentials."

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The "Suits" alum's guest judging stint marks her latest foray into the food and lifestyle world. In March 2025, Markle's "With Love, Meghan" lifestyle and reality show premiered on Netflix. In the show, Meghan shared cooking, gardening and entertaining tips alongside celebrity guests. "With Love, Meghan" also served as a launchpad for her As Ever lifestyle brand.

In January 2026, Netflix reportedly canceled the show after two seasons and later announced that it was ending its partnership with the As Ever brand though Markle and Prince Harry retained a first-look production deal with the streamer. However, "With Love, Meghan" recently received a surprise Daytime Emmy Award nomination for outstanding lifestyle series. "Meghan does have an interest in food and entertaining," Chard noted. "So from a PR perspective, appearing on ‘MasterChef Australia’ alongside well-known hosts, strengthens her brand."

While Chard saw the guest judging role as a natural fit, other royal experts told Fox News Digital that the response illustrates the challenges Markle continues to face with public perception after stepping away from royal life.

"People are talking more about why she's judging than what she's judging," royal reporter Kinsey Schofield said. "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."

"Social media always amplifies the loudest voices," the "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered" host continued. "That said, there does seem to be a broader sense of Meghan fatigue. Every project arrives carrying years of baggage, and that's a challenge most celebrities simply don't have. She isn't launching from a blank slate. She's launching from a very divided public reputation."

Fitzwilliams agreed, saying there have been "sufferers from Meghan fatigue for some time" and that "a great many viewers feel this way."

"Lifestyle is aspirational, it's lucrative, and it gives celebrities tremendous control over their image," Schofield said. "The problem is that audiences don't just buy recipes or table settings anymore. They're buying authenticity."

Fitzwilliams shared his view that Markle's cameo is also tied to her broader business ambitions. "She is returning to food in the hope this boosts sales of the As Ever products," he said.

Schofield said that the guest judge appearance may not deliver the hoped-for results, arguing that every project that Markle takes on is now judged through the lens of the duchess herself.

"Meghan has had several opportunities to reinvent herself since leaving royal life, and the pattern has remained the same… enormous publicity followed by polarized reactions," she told Fox News Digital. "One television appearance probably won't rewrite that narrative overnight."

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"People often react to the brand before they react to the product," she added. "That's the downside of building such a personality-driven business model. Every project becomes less about the content itself and more about whether people have bought into Meghan as the person selling it."

Beyond the public reaction, some royal experts questioned whether audiences would view her as a credible choice to critique contestants on "MasterChef Australia."

"Celebrity guest judges aren't expected to have Michelin stars, but they do need to bring something credible to the table," Schofield said. "Meghan's challenge is that she's still trying to establish herself as an authority in this space while much of the audience sees her as someone playing a part."

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich shared her opinion that Markle's divisive public image makes her guest appearance different from most casting decisions.

"Meghan is so polarizing that while such an appearance would be low-risk for any regular celebrity, it is likely to backfire," she said, adding that the duchess "has no credentials" and "doesn't come across as authentic."

"Given the failure of her previous cooking attempts, with lackluster ratings, this is all she can do now which is to be involved in a show which is already a success," Fordwich said.

However, royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner shared a more optimistic outlook on Markle's latest endeavor.

"Meghan is a master at reinventions, keeping herself in the public eye, and ‘MasterChef Australia’ is the latest platform to succumb to the real values of the lady and obviously cooking is one of many talents," he said.

Turner pointed to Markle's previous charitable work with the Hubb Community Kitchen, which was established in the wake of London's devastating Grenfell Tower fire. In June 2017, a fire ignited in the 24-story Grenfell Tower apartment block which killed 72 people and displaced hundreds of residents. After becoming involved with the community kitchen in 2018, Markle cooked alongside local women and helped publish a charity cookbook that raised money to support the initiative.

The royal expert told Fox News Digital that he also believed Markle would resonate with Australian audiences.

"Australia is a country which values people who have initiative and drive, and Meghan has that people's touch to support and offer cookery as one of her skill bases," he said.

For all the debate surrounding Markle's guest judging role, experts said the real question is whether the attention translates into viewers.

Schofield believes Markle's appearance could prove beneficial for "MasterChef Australia" if the buzz prompts audiences to tune in.

"Meghan guarantees headlines, and headlines translate into curiosity," she said. "Whether that curiosity becomes ratings or resentment is the million-dollar question. Producers know controversy can be good for television, but only if viewers stay for the episode instead of switching it off."