Meghan Markle has responded to alleged on-set frustration while filming MasterChef. The claims surfaced ahead of her guest appearance on the widely watched cooking show. The Duchess of Sussex is set to appear on MasterChef Australia on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Source claims Meghan Markle had a ‘great time’ on MasterChef
A source close to Meghan Markle is brushing off rumors of backstage drama during her time on MasterChef Australia. The comments come in response to claims that the Duchess and her team took issue with her on-air introduction in a MasterChef Australia promo clip, particularly the reference to “royalty.”
According to the insider who spoke to PEOPLE, Markle “had a great time” shooting the episode alongside judges such as Poh Ling Yeow. They also called the other reports “false.”
“Meghan and the MasterChef judges had a great time on set together,” said the insider. “They immediately had such a great rapport and had a really fun time working with the contestants and crew as well. Meghan left the set that day with such a positive experience. Any reporting otherwise is false,” they added.
Filmed in April amid the Sussexes’ Australia visit, the promo depicted judge Poh Ling Yeow ushering her into the kitchen. “We’ve had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before, but nothing like this,” announced the MasterChef judge. “All the way from sunny California, please welcome to MasterChef Australia…the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle!” Ling Yeow added.
News.com.au referenced an unnamed source who said that the “Suits” star and her team were “very frustrated” over the introduction. The source said they had made a specific request to leave out the word “royal.” They also said they were outside when it was filmed and didn’t hear it until the promo dropped. Separately, New Idea reported, citing an anonymous source, that Ling Yeow was unhappy about the drama.
The situation involved the MasterChef judge in a royal protocol issue she didn’t seek. They further shared that Poh Ling Yeow was ready to reach out immediately, but production advised her to leave it alone.
