Meghan Markle surprises MasterChef Australia viewers with Prince Harry call

Viewers tuning in to MasterChef Australia experienced an unexpected royal interruption when Prince Harry dialled in to check on his wife during her stint as a guest judge, according to reporting from the BBC and Mandurahmail. The episode aired on Sunday on the culinary program's 18th season, featuring the Duchess of Sussex stepping into the kitchen as contestants were tasked with transforming a staple ingredient into a dish fit for a duchess.

The tone shifted significantly when producers handed the duchess a phone during the judging segment. Prince Harry’s surprise video call prompted immediate cheers and shocked expressions from the room. Greeting him with hi, my love, she introduced her husband to the group and showed off the competitors' creations on screen.

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I wish you could try these, these dishes are fantastic, she told him before the duke signed off by apologising for the interruption and telling her to enjoy the rest of the programme, adding that he was very sorry to disturb her. Once the call ended, she smiled and told the room, He's a charmer, isn't he?

The unscripted moment provided insight into the couple's domestic routine. Discussing her home life, Meghan explained that she has a lot of palates to appease in her household. She noted that her British-born husband leans towards meat, potatoes and cream sauce, while her own preference runs to grilled meats, fish, and citrus, as well as grilled fish. She also shared that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are enthusiastic eaters who enjoy Brussels sprouts and frequently help out in the garden and kitchen.

The television appearance was filmed during the couple's trip to Australia. According to the BBC, the visit took place in April over four days, while Mandurahmail reported the trip lasted a week, encompassing engagements in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney. The Sussexes operated in a private capacity as non-working royals, blending commercial projects with charitable work, including meetings with mental health charities, Invictus veterans, and survivors and emergency service personnel responding to the Bondi Beach terror attack. The Press Association reported that Meghan received no payment for her appearance on the show.

Reaction to the broadcast split sharply across media outlets and social platforms. Hello Magazine praised the duchess, writing that she made MasterChef Australia her own and commending her for giving personal time calls to every contestant. Conversely, The Sunday Times offered a much harsher assessment. Critic Charlotte Ivers dismissed the episode as one big gush-fest and complained that the appearance told us nothing about what she likes or who even will leave the competition. Social media users were similarly divided, with supporters calling her warm and gracious while detractors labelled the prince's cameo as cringe-worthy.

The MasterChef appearance follows the development of the duchess's own culinary portfolio, including her lifestyle and cookery show, With Love, Meghan, which recently earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Lifestyle Program category.

Timeline of Recent Sussex Family Events

• April: Meghan films her guest judging appearance during a tour of Australia.
• Earlier this month: The family travels to the UK, holding a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House amid an ongoing security dispute.
• Thursday: Meghan shares a collection of summer holiday photographs on Instagram featuring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
• Sunday: The MasterChef Australia episode airs, featuring Prince Harry's surprise video call.