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Meghan Markle Appears as Guest Judge on MasterChef Australia, Prince Harry Joins by Video

The Duchess of Sussex made a guest judging appearance on the popular cooking competition, where her husband Prince Harry surprised contestants with a FaceTime call and earned the description 'a charmer' from Meghan.

Meghan Markle Appears as Guest Judge on MasterChef Australia, Prince Harry Joins by Video
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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made a guest appearance on MasterChef Australia, serving as a judge on the long-running cooking competition. During the judging segment of the episode, she received an unexpected FaceTime call from her husband, Prince Harry, whom she promptly described as a 'charmer'.

The surprise video call caught contestants and the show's production team off guard, adding a lighthearted and unscripted moment to the evening. According to reports, Prince Harry's call came as the contestants were presenting their dishes for evaluation, and his brief interaction with the duchess and the competitors brought smiles to the set.

MasterChef Australia, now in its 17th season, is one of the country's most-watched television programs, known for its high-stakes cooking challenges and regular appearances by celebrity guest judges. Meghan's role as a guest judge marks one of her few television appearances since stepping back from senior royal duties and moving to California with her family. The couple has since focused on charitable initiatives and media ventures, including Meghan's lifestyle brand and Netflix projects.

The episode has generated considerable buzz on social media, with fans sharing clips and praising the informal royal moment. Meghan's participation underscores her continued engagement with popular culture and media, while Prince Harry's surprise appearance offered a rare glimpse into their personal dynamic. The exact dishes prepared by the contestants during the judged round have not been publicly detailed, but the duchess' feedback was delivered alongside the show's regular judges.

This guest spot on MasterChef Australia adds to Meghan's portfolio of public engagements that blend entertainment with her public persona. The couple's decision to appear — even briefly — on a reality competition show reflects their evolving relationship with the media and their willingness to participate in formats outside of traditional royal or philanthropic events. For fans, the video call moment has become a highlight of the season, reinforcing the couple's reputation for spontaneous, relatable interactions.

As MasterChef Australia continues its season, the episode featuring the duchess and the surprise royal FaceTime call is expected to be among the most talked-about of the year. The show's producers have not commented on whether similar surprises are planned for future episodes, but the viral nature of the clip suggests that viewers remain eager for such authentic moments.