Meghan Markle's latest television appearance on MasterChef Australia has once again thrust her into the spotlight, but this time it's her choice of words rather than her culinary skills that has drawn criticism. The Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 alongside her husband Prince Harry, appeared as a guest judge on the popular cooking show. During the segment, she set the challenge for contestants to “create a dish fit for a Duchess,” a phrase that many have labeled as entitled and indicative of her continued attachment to royal titles she no longer actively serves.
The episode was filmed earlier in 2023 during what was described as a quasi-royal tour of Australia. Images released by the show depict Meghan in a black dress with a slit up the skirt, open collar, and loose curls, pairing the look with black heeled pumps. She joined judges Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin. In promotional material, Meghan is quoted as saying: “What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes. It's such a great show. I'm just really honoured that I was asked to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals.”
However, the controversy centers on the specific phrasing of the challenge. Critics argue that by insisting on a “dish fit for a Duchess,” Meghan is leveraging a title she no longer legitimately uses in an official capacity. Since stepping back, she and Harry have retained the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they have agreed not to use their HRH styles in a professional context. Yet Meghan has continued to refer to herself as “Meghan Sussex” on her Netflix series With Love, Meghan and in personal correspondence. This latest demand on MasterChef Australia is seen by some as another example of her clinging to the royal brand to boost her television career.
Behind-the-scenes reports add further fuel to the fire. According to unconfirmed rumors, Meghan was reportedly “frustrated” when cast members referred to her as “royalty,” leading to a tense exchange on set. Whether she agreed to the Duchess-themed challenge or pushed back against it, the narrative does not paint her in a flattering light. If she agreed, it suggests she is willing to exploit the title for commercial gain. If she objected, it implies she is still uncomfortable with her hybrid public role—royal enough to be invited onto the show but too royal to be treated as a mere celebrity judge.
The incident raises larger questions about Meghan's place in both Hollywood and Britain. Having left the UK amid a media storm and family tensions, she and Harry settled in Montecito, California, where they signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify. Her Netflix series With Love, Meghan showcased her lifestyle and cooking interests, but was met with mixed reviews. Critics noted the show's heavy reliance on her royal connections, while fans appreciated her warmth and authenticity. The MasterChef Australia appearance is part of a broader effort to establish herself as a food and lifestyle personality, but the reliance on the Duchess title suggests that without it, she might struggle to command the same level of interest.
Observers point out that Meghan's background as an actress on the legal drama Suits would likely not have been enough to secure a guest spot on a major international show like MasterChef Australia. The show's producers have clearly hinged promotion on her royal status, with fellow judge Poh Ling Yeow remarking: “We’ve had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before but no-one like this.” This quote underscores the show's branding strategy, which Meghan tacitly endorsed by participating.
Clothing choices also came under scrutiny. Meghan opted for a black dress with a thigh-high slit, a departure from the more conservative style she often adopted while living in the UK. In contrast, fellow judge Sofia Levin wore a white two-piece ensemble with floral embroidery and a floor-length skirt, which some commentators likened to Princess Catherine’s signature style. This juxtaposition led to speculation about whether Meghan is consciously distancing herself from the British royal fashion mold, or simply expressing her personal taste. Either way, her outfit signaled a rejection of the demure, modest dress code associated with official royal engagements.
The broader context includes King Charles’s decision to strip Prince Andrew of his HRH title and military affiliations amid the Epstein scandal. Meghan and Harry have faced ongoing uncertainty about their own titles, but they have so far retained them. The debate over whether they should be allowed to continue using “Sussex” commercially has not been resolved, and this MasterChef appearance reignites that discussion. Some argue that Meghan is entitled to the title by birth and marriage, while others contend that by choosing a commercial path, she forfeits the right to exploit the monarchy's cachet.
Meghan's trajectory since leaving the UK has been a series of contradictions. She claims to want a quiet life away from the media spotlight, yet consistently seeks high-profile television and podcast appearances. She professes a desire for privacy but willingly shares intimate details of her life and marriage. This MasterChef challenge—both the literal food challenge and the metaphorical challenge of navigating her public identity—illustrates the tightrope she walks. She cannot fully return to Hollywood as just another actress, nor can she reclaim the beloved status she briefly enjoyed as a working royal. Her position is unique, but it comes with strings attached.
As of now, Meghan has not publicly addressed the criticism. The episode is set to air later this year on MasterChef Australia, and it remains to be seen whether the controversy will boost viewership or further damage her reputation. What is clear is that the “fit for a Duchess” remark has struck a nerve, tapping into a broader public skepticism about celebrity entitlement and the enduring power of royal titles in a modern democracy. Meghan's future in the entertainment industry may depend on her ability to redefine herself without relying on the very institution she left behind.
Source: Express.co.uk News