Meghan Markle’s upcoming appearance on MasterChef Australia has drawn mixed reactions from Melbourne residents. Many are wondering why the Duchess of Sussex was chosen instead of Australian culinary talent. While some people believe that Markle’s celebrity image will draw more viewers, others are indifferent to Markle’s new television foray.
Australian locals are divided on Meghan Markle’s Junior MasterChef Australia role
According to the Express, Melbourne residents have responded to Markle joining the cooking franchise. The Duchess is expected to film the junior competition in 2027, joining Australian chef and television personality Poh Ling Yeow.
Some residents expressed that Markle’s royal connections make her joining controversial. Selby Witteveen, 77, has criticized the move and questioned Markle’s intentions behind it. “I hate her. She thinks she is a chef. Somebody had paid for her to come. She just wants money. She is there only trading on royalty, which she is no longer,” she said.
Rosa, 76, has questioned why Markle was selected, as Australia has plenty of homegrown talent to land the spot in the show. “I think it’s a joke. Why do we need her?” she asked, adding, “We have so many Australians that could do that job. I’m not a fan of hers. I think we should get an Australian to do it.”
Others, however, think it’s unfair to be so critical about the Duchess of Sussex’s participation. Bayley, 27, said he thought the role “probably should be a chef,” although he acknowledged, “But I am not a chef, so how can I judge?”
Meg, 75, was largely indifferent to the selection. She even suggested that Markle’s name would boost the show’s ratings. “I guess it’s name recognition. If you are looking to legitimise a cooking show, you can find a few chefs from around the world to do that,” she said.
Peter Heywood, 39, also saw potential in Markle’s casting. “My thought is it’s a name that grabs people’s attention. There’s more than just a chef’s perspective on food,” he said.
The mixed reactions also indicate the public’s sustained attention to the nitty-gritty of the Sussexes’ lives, especially after their U.K. comeback.
