Meghan Markle is facing renewed scrutiny ahead of her upcoming guest appearance on MasterChef Australia.
The Duchess of Sussex reportedly filmed the episode during a recent trip to Australia with Prince Harry. Scheduled to air on July 26, the episode will see contestants prepare a dish “fit for a Duchess” using seasonal Australian ingredients. Meghan will also share personal stories about her connection to food.
However, critics have questioned the programme’s emphasis on her royal title. The debate comes amid continued criticism of Meghan and Harry’s use of their titles after stepping back as senior working royals in 2020.
A source told Radar Online that the timing of the appearance had created a difficult public-relations situation. According to the insider, the royal theme of the challenge, combined with online jokes about Meghan’s cooking techniques, has given her critics further material.
Supporters have dismissed the backlash, noting that Meghan remains legally entitled to use the Duchess of Sussex title. They have also described social-media criticism of her kitchen skills as trivial.
Her critics, however, argue that she continues to benefit from the status attached to her title despite leaving royal duties. Some also claim that viral parodies of her onion-chopping technique could make it harder for viewers to take her seriously in a food-related role.
A trailer for the special episode shows Meghan joining judges Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Sofia Levin as the contestants tackle the culinary challenge.
