Meghan Markle’s MasterChef Cameo Accused of Being ‘Performative’ — Source

Evolve EditorsTue, July 28, 2026 at 7:21 AM UTC

0

Photo Credit: @MasterChefAustralia/YouTube

Meghan Markle’s recent appearance on MasterChef is reportedly being branded as “performative.” Markle made a surprise cameo on MasterChef Australia on Sunday, July 26. She was addressed by her royal title, “Duchess of Sussex,” on the show. However, it seems that sources attached to the production are not exactly happy with her cameo.

Source claims Meghan Markle was ‘stepping into character’ for MasterChef appearance

As per Radar Online, sources associated with MasterChef Australia are critical of Meghan Markle’s cameo on the show. She stepped down from her royal duties in 2020. Since then, Markle has been trying to make a mark in the lifestyle and cooking space. The contestants were asked to create a dish “fit for a duchess.” Markle presented the contestants with ingredients such as Australian honey, macadamia nuts, celeriac, citrus fruits, and edible flowers.

A source familiar with the production said, “There was a sense she was trying to embody the role of a culinary authority rather than simply a guest.”

Another insider chimed in, “Some of the gestures and presentation came across as performative—like she was stepping into a character for the show. It felt carefully constructed, as though she was balancing being Meghan the Duchess and Meghan the lifestyle figure, which did not always sit naturally.”

Advertisement

Interestingly, Markle was comfortable being called by her given name rather than by her royal title (via PEOPLE). Poh Ling Yeow asked, “Do we call you Duchess?” to which the Suits star replied, “Oh, call me Meghan.”

For those unversed, the Sussexes stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California. However, they retained their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In a 2025 interview on The Circuit with Emily Chang, Markle confirmed that she had legally changed her name after marriage. She confirmed that they had adopted Sussex as their family name.

Originally reported by Anwaya Mane for Mandatory.

The post Meghan Markle’s MasterChef Cameo Accused of Being ‘Performative’ — Source appeared first on Reality Tea.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”