Meghan Markle‘s MasterChef Australia appearance is making headlines for what was said before she even stepped into the kitchen.
The Duchess of Sussex is making a cameo on the July 26 episode of MasterChef Australia, but not everything went smoothly behind the scenes, per Sky News Australia. Meghan’s team reportedly had one request for the production — don’t refer to the royal family. Given the very fluid nature of the ongoing feud, it’s an understandable request to avoid the British tabloids from making a fuss.
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It seems that somebody missed the memo when judge Poh Ling Yeow introduced Meghan.
“We’ve had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before but no one like this,” Yeow said. “All the way from sunny California, please welcome to MasterChef Australia, The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle!”
Meghan’s team was “very frustrated” by the introduction because they “specifically” told producers that they didn’t want the word “royal” to be a part of her segment, a source told News.au.com. The Duchess of Sussex didn’t find out about the royal phrasing until the promo was released for the episode.
“They were outside the doors when it was filmed, so didn’t know what had been said,” the insider added.
The situation has left Yeow feeling “upset” because producers didn’t inform her of the restriction, per New Idea. “It wasn’t about Meghan personally,” a source told the media outlet. “Poh felt she had been unintentionally drawn into a royal protocol issue she never intended to be part of.”
However, a source close to the Sussexes downplayed any issues on MasterChef Australia and told Page Six, “There was no frustration on Meghan’s side about anything that was said on set.”
Meghan also released a statement to the network that airs MasterChef Australia. “What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes,” Meghan said, in a statement released by Ten.
“It’s such a great show. I’m just really honored that I was asked to be able to be here with you and to be able to judge some of these meals,” the statement to Ten reads. The contestants were challenged to create a meal “fit for a Duchess” using some of her favorite ingredients, including strawberries, lemons, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, and carrots.
The appearance on MasterChef Australia was filmed during her visit to the country in April with Prince Harry.
Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.
