Judges share what it was really like working with the Duchess of Sussex in the kitchen
MasterChef Australia is already building buzz for its 2026 season, and much of that attention has centred on a brief but widely shared moment featuring Meghan Markle. A clip of her walking into the kitchen quickly spread online, sparking curiosity about her role on the show.
The upcoming season will be judged by Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli. Meghan’s appearance comes during her visit to Australia alongside Prince Harry, adding an extra layer of interest to the series.
Speaking to 10 News+, Poh Ling Yeow shared a more personal insight into Meghan’s approach. She explained that Meghan was focused on understanding the contestants beyond just their dishes. From the start, she encouraged the idea of showcasing personality through food, asking for stories that would help her connect with the cooks on a deeper level.
Sofia Levin echoed that perspective, describing Meghan as someone genuinely engaged with food in everyday life. According to Levin, her interest in cooking and gardening brought a grounded, relatable energy to the judging panel, reinforcing the growing connection people feel with what they eat.
While her appearance may have been brief, it clearly left an impression on the judges and added a fresh dynamic to the upcoming season.
