Just days before her long-awaited guest-judge episode of MasterChef Australia hits screens this Sunday, a brand-new sneak peek of Meghan Markle has dropped — and the internet is already carving her up like an overcooked roast.
In the newly released clips circulating online, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, stands behind a lavish display of seasonal produce — green and red apples, strawberries, citrus, root vegetables, Brussels sprouts and more — smiling in her signature all-black silk shirt. In another moment she is seen doubled over in exaggerated laughter with fellow judges Sofia Levin and Poh Ling Yeow against a vivid red backdrop. Critics wasted no time branding the giggles “ubiquitous fake laughter.”
The preview also features Meghan chatting about her own kitchen habits and her love for Australia. “We do a lot of BBQs because the weather is really nice … I actually like a lot of heat in my food. And Harry can handle a really good curry. So, anything with a little bit of spiciness. Not too much where it’s overpowering but really balancing out the flavours. And mixing a little savoury and sweet, I think, is always helpful,” she says.
That single line detonated online. “WELL WE KNOW YOU CAN’T COOK, BUT NOW WE KNOW HARRY’S OUTSIDE DOING ALL THE WORK!” one popular post declared, racking up thousands of views within hours. Another user noted the curry comment felt recycled from earlier stories about the Princess of Wales’s preference for heat — prompting accusations that Meghan had “been googling again.”
A second soundbite proved equally inflammatory. “I have loved every second of being here. I was already in love with Australia, and this has just made me over the moon. I’m thrilled to be here,” Meghan declares. The response from critics was swift and brutal: “NO, YOU’RE NOT MOVING HERE. WE DON’T WANT YOU EITHER!”
The episode itself airs Sunday, 26 July 2026 at 7pm on Channel 10. Filmed in Melbourne on 15 April during the Sussexes’ private four-day visit to Australia — their first joint trip since the 2018 royal tour — Meghan sets a challenge for the remaining contestants: create a dish “fit for a Duchess” that heroes one seasonal ingredient while sharing the personal story or memory behind it. The produce list includes carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, Brussels sprouts, celeriac, local Australian honey, macadamia nuts, quince, lemons, apples, mandarins and strawberries — exactly the colourful spread seen in the new promotional stills.
Network 10 and Paramount have framed the appearance as a natural extension of Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan and her lifestyle brand As Ever. In official statements she has said: “What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes.” Judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli previously described her as “a complete delight” and “right at home,” with Yeow noting contestants’ jaws hit the floor when she walked in.
Yet the fresh preview has revived every familiar criticism. Detractors question her culinary credentials, mock the polished TV laughter, and reject any suggestion of a deeper Australian connection. Supporters point to her support for local designers (the black Matteau shirt and Camilla and Marc skirt she wore on set) and her genuine interest in seasonal produce and personal storytelling.
Whether the episode delivers drama, delicious food or more meme-worthy moments, one thing is already clear: when Meghan Markle steps back into the MasterChef kitchen this Sunday, the Australian audience will be watching with knives sharpened and no appetite for anything that feels reheated.
