Meghan Markle’s appearance on MasterChef Australia has reportedly sparked behind-the-scenes tension after judge Poh Ling Yeow referred to the Duchess of Sussex as “royalty” during the episode.
Meghan appeared as a surprise guest judge during season 18, episode 56, which aired on July 26, 2026. The episode was reportedly filmed several months earlier, during her private four-day visit to Australia in April.
The moment that reportedly caused concern came when Yeow introduced Meghan in a way that appeared to conflict with guidance given to the production team.
During the episode, Yeow said, “We’ve had MasterChef royalty in the kitchen before but no one like this,” a remark that reportedly caught attention because Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020 before moving to California.
According to a report attributed to RadarOnline, people around the production believed the comment created an awkward situation for Yeow. An alleged insider claimed the judge had not intended to create a controversy and felt she had accidentally become involved in an issue surrounding royal protocol.
The source reportedly said the situation was not personal and suggested Yeow had simply made an unintended mistake. She apparently attempted to apologize to Meghan, although she was reportedly advised to allow the production team to deal with the matter.
Despite the reported backstage drama, another claim suggested that Meghan herself has disputed the idea that her appearance was a negative experience. She has reportedly maintained that she enjoyed her time on the cooking competition.
The conflicting accounts have nevertheless fueled renewed discussion about Meghan’s reported behavior behind the scenes.
One unnamed source quoted by the outlet made much stronger allegations, describing Meghan as demanding and claiming that she was unhappy with certain aspects of the production. The source alleged that people around the set were nervous about upsetting her and claimed she could be dismissive toward others.
The same source contrasted Meghan’s alleged behavior with Prince Harry, describing him as charming and approachable while suggesting that he was supportive of his wife.
However, these claims come from unnamed sources and should be treated as allegations rather than established facts. There is no clear independent evidence confirming that Meghan was actually “fuming” over Yeow’s comment or that the judge was genuinely “terrified” of her.
What is clear is that the “royalty” remark created an unexpected talking point around Meghan’s MasterChef Australia appearance. The incident also highlights how references to her former royal status can remain sensitive, particularly after Harry and Meghan publicly stepped away from their senior royal responsibilities.
For viewers, the episode ultimately offered a rare glimpse of Meghan participating in an Australian television production, while the alleged backstage disagreement has added another layer of interest to her appearance.
Key Takeaways
- Meghan Markle appeared as a surprise guest judge on MasterChef Australia season 18.
- Poh Ling Yeow referred to Meghan as “royalty” during the episode.
- Reports claim the wording caused an awkward backstage situation.
- Meghan has reportedly indicated that she enjoyed her experience on the show.
- Claims that Meghan was “fuming” or that Yeow was “terrified” come from unnamed sources and remain unverified.
