Meghan Markle’s upcoming appearance on the cooking competition show has sparked a backlash from viewers who object to her continued use of her royal title. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, will serve as a guest judge on the show, which airs on Australia’s Channel 10 on July 26, prompting boycott threats and criticism from fans of the show.Meghan filmed the episode during her trip to Australia in April. The channel posted a photo of her on social media on Tuesday, July 14, sharing the episode’s release date and describing her appearance.
Channel announcements and public reactions
The title of the promotional post describes Meghan’s involvement in the show. “The countdown has begun! Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, joins the #MasterChefAU kitchen as a guest judge, bringing her love of food, entertaining and seasonal produce to one of the competition’s most memorable challenges,” the announcement reads.After her appearance was revealed, she immediately attracted criticism in the comments section. Many viewers expressed plans to skip the episode. “Definitely not watching it,” one person wrote, while another said: “I love watching Chef but not with her.”
Meghan Markle’s guest appearance on Australia’s MasterChef has divided viewers ahead of the episode airing on July 26. Image source (Instagram)
Controversy over Meghan Markle’s continued use of royal titles
OK Magazine reported that a large part of the backlash focused on Meghan’s use of her royal title in the network’s promotional materials. One commenter claimed, “She is no longer the Duchess of Sussex. She gave up the title,” even though Meghan and Prince Harry, 41, retained their titles after stepping down from royal duties in January 2020.
Social media users have had mixed reactions after MasterChef Australia announced Meghan Markle would be a guest judge, with some criticizing her for continuing to use the title Duchess of Sussex. Image source (Instagram)
The couple moved to California six years ago and are legally allowed to continue using the titles the late Queen Elizabeth received when they married in May 2018. However, they no longer use the title of Royal Highness after stepping back from senior royal duties.Some viewers were relieved that the show wouldn’t be available in certain territories. “Thank you for reminding me not to watch,” one user wrote, with another chiming in: “Thank you for the reminder and making it easier for me to avoid watching.”One commenter was more scathing about the duchess herself. Another user slammed the former actress as “so disgusting,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many who expressed displeasure with her involvement in the show.
