Meghan Markle to star on MasterChef Australia in judging role

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 15/04/2026

- 11:35

The timing of the Duchess of Sussex's television appearance aligns with her intentions to bring her As Ever lifestyle brand to the Australian market

Meghan Markle has filmed a guest judging role on MasterChef Australia, on her return to the country for the first time in eight years.

The Duchess of Sussex recorded the episode at Melbourne Showgrounds on Wednesday, stepping into a role previously occupied by members of the Royal Family.


King Charles and Queen Camilla made their own appearance on the popular cooking programme back in 2018, when Charles was still Prince of Wales.

The timing of Meghan's television appearance aligns with her intentions to bring her As Ever lifestyle brand to the Australian market.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle has filmed a guest judging role on MasterChef Australia, on her return to the country for the first time in eight years.

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MasterChef Australia

Channel 10 revealed the news on Instagram on Wednesday evening, posting a photograph of the Duchess of Sussex beaming alongside fellow judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin.

"We're welcoming someone SUPER special into the MasterChef Kitchen," the broadcaster wrote.

The programme also released footage showing Poh introducing Meghan to this season's contestants.

Dressed in an elegant black outfit, the Duchess of Sussex stepped onto the set, projecting both poise and self-assurance as she joined the judging panel.

Meghan Markle

The Duchess has previously demonstrated her passion for cooking through her Netflix lifestyle programme With Love, Meghan, which has broadcast two seasons along with a holiday special.

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NETFLIX

The Duchess has previously demonstrated her passion for cooking through her Netflix lifestyle programme With Love, Meghan, which has broadcast two seasons along with a holiday special.

During the series, she prepared a range of dishes, including tempura fried chicken, a honey lemon layer cake with raspberry, and one-pot tomato pasta.

On Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex adopted a notably informal stance when meeting the public in Melbourne.

When Steve Cotterill, Australia's inaugural poet laureate, enquired about proper forms of address at the Australian National Veterans' Art Museum, Prince Harry responded with a shrug: "However you like."

Meghan Markle

On Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex adopted a notably informal stance when meeting the public in Melbourne.

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GETTY

His wife offered her own suggestion: "Call me Meg?"

The relaxed exchange set the tone for the couple's engagements with military veterans throughout the day.

Prior to the museum visit, hospital workers at a Melbourne children's facility had expressed similar uncertainty about royal protocol.

Staff were reassured by an aide that a casual approach would be welcomed. "Harry and Meghan is fine," one employee confirmed. "They're pretty relaxed."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received an enthusiastic greeting from Melbourne residents throughout their first day of engagements.