Meghan Markle to Join ‘MasterChef Australia' as Guest Judge
Meghan Markle is stepping back into the kitchen for a special “MasterChef Australia” appearance.
The Duchess of Sussex will serve as a guest judge during the show's upcoming 18th season, which premieres on April 19.
Australia's Channel 10 confirmed the news and shared a preview of Markle's appearance on Instagram, writing, "Passionate foodie Meghan Markle is joining MasterChef Australia as a guest judge!"
In the clip, judge Poh Ling Yeow introduced Markle, saying, "We've had ‘MasterChef' royalty in the kitchen before, but no one like this" as the “With Love, Meghan” host, 44, is greeted with cheers in the "MasterChef" kitchen.
"MasterChef Australia" Instagram account also posted a photo of Markle alongside judges Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christopher Novelli.
"We're welcoming someone SUPER special into the MasterChef Kitchen 🙌," the post read.
"Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, makes a special guest appearance this season as she returns to Australia for the first time since 2018 ❤️" the post continued. "Joining a star-studded lineup of Guest Judges and culinary icons, Meghan helps guide some of the most impressive home cooks the competition has ever seen."
The appearance comes as Markle embarks on a four-day Australia trip with Prince Harry. The couple last visited the country for a royal tour in October 2018.
Australia's Channel 10 announced that Markle filmed her surprise appearance in Melbourne on April 15.
"As part of her first Australian visit since 2018, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, featured as a guest judge on the country's most beloved cooking show," the show's producers shared in a statement. "Meghan mentored and guided our nation's top home cooks alongside ‘MasterChef Australia’ judges, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli."
Markle is no stranger to the kitchen. She hosted the cooking and lifestyle show, “With Love, Meghan” for two seasons on Netflix. The series featured chefs including David Chang, Roy Choi, Christina Tosi, and José Andrés.
She also launched As Ever by Meghan, her food product line, one year ago, in April 2025.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 1:43 PM.