Meghan Markle’s controversial guest judge appearance on ‘MasterChef Australia’ drew heavy criticism from viewers after a lengthy preview of the episode aired. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, filmed the episode in April while traveling in Australia with Prince Harry. The subsequent footage prompted widespread derision from online critics who called her performance “awkward” and unreal.
A social media user has slammed Meghan Markle’s ‘MasterChef Australia’ appearance, describing her on-screen mannerisms as “awkward” and “cringey.” Image credit (Instagram).
Another viewer added, “Not an ounce of authenticity was seen.”
Another viewer said Meghan Markle’s guest judge appearance lacked authenticity, saying they couldn’t see “an ounce of authenticity.” Image credit (reddit)
Meanwhile a third commentator questioned the alignment between Markle’s stated values ​​and her public persona, asking: “Sense of humour? Love language? Nurturing? When have any of these things been linked to Meghan?”
A commentator has questioned whether Meghan Markle’s talk of humour, caring and connection is consistent with her public persona. Image credit (reddit)
Further criticism points to his perceived effort to present himself as relatable. “Phoney, smug, smarmy, and trying hard to act – badly – relatable,” criticized one user, summarizing a wider sentiment among viewers who found his guest judge appearance unconvincing and inconsistent with his established public image.
Meghan Markle’s advice to the contestants
During her appearance, Markle offered guidance to competing home cooks about managing pressure in the kitchen. “There’s a lot of pressure in the kitchen. I don’t like cooking like that. I like to cook in a relaxed way. So what I can tell the competitors is to remember to have fun, keep a sense of humor about it, and cook from the heart,” she said while wearing a black blouse, her brunette hair styled long and curly.
During her guest visit, Meghan Markle described cooking as her “love language” and said that preparing meals is the way she expresses her care for family and friends. Image credit (Instagram)
Edible flowers and signature items
The episode harked back to previous television series Markle’s lifestyle, as producers highlighted what they described as her “signature items” available to contestants in the pantry. When presented with fresh edible flowers, Markle expressed enthusiasm. “Edible flowers. Love that!” he noted, drawing parallels to the dried flower petals he famously incorporated into nearly every dish during his earlier television work.A voiceover during the segment reinforces this connection to his previous television appearances. “A smart contestant could include them, as Meghan always does on her show,” the narrator declared, as clips from her previous series flashed on the screen, showing Markle scattering dried petals on various foods including fruit platters arranged in decorative patterns.
Meghan Markle’s ‘love language’ comment
In another part of the confession, Markle used what observers noticed as familiar rhetorical patterns from her previous work. “Food and cooking for me is a true language of love. I think it’s a great way to connect. It’s something that feels sentimental and meaningful, and it’s how I show my care to my friends, family, my children,” he said, using terminology consistent with the language he used in his first series.The mixed reception to her ‘MasterChef Australia’ appearance reflects continued public scrutiny of Markle’s television and media endeavors since her transition from acting to public-facing work in the royal sphere and beyond.