Meghan Markle has sparked a furious backlash after being announced as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, with critics questioning whether the Duchess of Sussex has the culinary credentials to assess contestants competing on one of the world's most popular cooking shows.
The former actress and lifestyle entrepreneur will appear in a special episode of the Australian series, where contestants will be challenged to create a dish inspired by Meghan. But the announcement has already divided viewers, with some questioning why a celebrity without formal chef training has been invited onto a programme built around cooking expertise.
Some critics have accused the show of prioritising star power over culinary knowledge, while others have claimed they plan to skip the episode altogether.
The controversy has fuelled a wider debate over the role of celebrity guests on specialist programmes—and whether fame, influence and personal storytelling should carry the same weight as professional experience.
Meghan's Food Background Revealed as Duchess Takes on 'MasterChef' Challenge
Although Meghan does not have formal culinary qualifications, she has long presented herself as someone with an interest in food, entertaining and lifestyle.
Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan launched The Tig, a lifestyle website where she shared content about travel, culture, wellness and food. She also spoke about the importance of cooking and gathering around meals, helping build an image centred on hosting and personal storytelling.
Her MasterChef Australia appearance will see her take part as a guest judge rather than a professional culinary expert. Contestants will be asked to create a dish inspired by Meghan, allowing her to share her personal perspective and preferences.
Supporters have defended the decision, arguing that celebrity guest judges are often selected because of their personality, experiences and connection with audiences rather than formal qualifications.
However, critics argue that MasterChef Australia has built its reputation around cooking skill, technique and food knowledge, making the choice of guest judge particularly important.
Viewers Mock Meghan Appearance as Online Backlash Intensifies
The announcement has triggered strong reactions online, with some viewers questioning whether Meghan's background makes her suitable to judge a major cooking competition.
On Reddit, some users criticised the decision, with one commenter writing: '...in which Meghan acts as a guest judge... she can't act, so it will just be a series of weird facial expressions and hastily cobbled attempts at being likeable?'
Another user questioned what practical contribution Meghan would make, asking: 'Will she help instruct them on making toast?'
However, some online discussion focused on how the story had been presented by the media. One Reddit commenter questioned whether the phrase 'fit for a duchess' had actually come from Meghan or MasterChef Australia, writing: 'So Meg and the show didn't necessarily say "fit for a duchess"—it's how a media outlet is reporting her appearance and the DM is repeating it and using it for rage clicks.'
The mixed reaction highlights the complicated relationship between Meghan, media coverage, and public opinion, where even a television appearance can quickly become part of a larger debate about celebrity, credibility, and perception.
