Duchess Meghan made her return to television as a guest judge on the July 26 episode of "MasterChef Australia," marking her first TV appearance nearly a year after the second season of her Netflix lifestyle show concluded. The 44-year-old "Suits" alumna, who also hosts "With Love, Meghan" and founded her lifestyle brand As Ever, filmed the segment during a four-day trip to Australia with her husband, Prince Harry, in April.
Upon her entrance, Meghan was met with applause from the Season 18 judges, the final four contestants, and their eliminated colleagues. She introduced a mystery box challenge, tasking chefs Vinnie Gibaldi, Petro Papathomas, Casper Kenworthy, and Aaron Kher with selecting a "hero" ingredient to craft a dish that narrated a memory or family story. Available ingredients included Australian honey, lemons, macadamia nuts, apples, Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac, and quince. While discussing Brussels sprouts, the Duchess commented, "My kids eat Brussels sprouts," and added that she grows strawberries and mandarins at home.
As judges Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli awaited the completion of the dishes, they encouraged Meghan to announce the 30-minute time call. "I don't like to yell," Meghan explained before personally approaching each station to inform the chefs they had a half-hour remaining.
Petro Papathomas emerged victorious with an innovative dish he had never attempted before: celeriac ice cream accompanied by sautéed celeriac, pickled apples, and a hazelnut crumb. "I can't understand how this is so good," Meghan declared, drawing cheers from the past contestants. Papathomas secured immunity and the first of three coveted spots in the final. Speaking to Australia's WHO Magazine, the chef later praised Meghan, stating she “was very kind and spoke very eloquently about food, which was lovely."
During the judging process, a member of the production team handed Meghan an iPhone, revealing Prince Harry on a FaceTime call. "G'day," Harry, the second son of King Charles, greeted his wife and Sofia Levin, who was standing nearby. He then asked, "What's going on? Have I interrupted something important?" Meghan responded, "Hi my love," before introducing Harry to the talented chefs. "It's amazing; they're so talented. We wish you were here," she added, explaining that Harry was in Canberra to meet veterans. Meghan then panned the phone camera to Kher's dish, telling Harry, "I wish you could try this. These dishes are fantastic."
