Meghan Markle reportedly expressed frustration over her “MasterChef Australia” cameo, with sources claiming she objected to being introduced as “royalty.”
During their trip to Australia, she and Prince Harry attended private and public engagements, with estimates suggesting their appearances could generate up to $10 million.
The couple has since returned to California, with Meghan Markle posting about her warm homecoming with gifts, treats, and a “Welcome Home” sign.
Meghan Markle Was Introduced As The ‘Duchess Of Sussex’
Meghan is reportedly unhappy with aspects of her recent appearance on “MasterChef Australia,” according to claims from sources close to the production.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, made a brief cameo during filming for the cooking competition while she and Prince Harry were in Australia.
In the episode, judge Poh Ling Yeow introduced her warmly, noting, “We’ve had ‘MasterChef’ royalty in the kitchen before, but no one like this,” before adding, “All the way from sunny California, please welcome to ‘MasterChef Australia’ the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle!”
The Duchess And Her Team Were ‘Frustrated’ With The Use Of The Word’ Royal’
A report from news.com.au, published Monday, April 20, suggests that Meghan and her team were “very frustrated” with how she was introduced on the show.
The concern reportedly centered on the use of the word “royal,” which they had allegedly requested be avoided.
A source claimed the duchess’s team was unaware of the issue at the time, as they were not present when the introduction was recorded, and only learned about it when the promo was released, leaving them unhappy.
According to the report, the preference to steer clear of royal terminology was meant to avoid unnecessary discussion about the couple’s current role and status during their visit.
Harry And Meghan’s Australia Visit Draws Attention Over Private Engagements, Public Appearances, And Earnings Speculation
Meghan and Harry did not bring their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, along for the trip.
While in Australia, the couple attended a mix of private, commercial, and philanthropic events, none of which were in an official royal capacity. The visit also marked their first return to the country since 2018, when they were still working members of the royal family.
During the trip, Meghan also hosted a well-publicized women’s retreat in Sydney tied to the “Her Best Life” podcast, billed as an “in-person conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.”
Financial speculation around the trip also followed. According to estimates from financial expert Ted Jenkin, the couple’s combined appearances and speaking engagements could potentially generate up to $10 million, driven by brand exposure, audience reach, and partnership opportunities.
“Meghan and Harry could make money from audience aggregation, premium access, and brand leverage. All totaled, this tour could fetch $10 million or more for Meghan and Harry,” he said, per Page Six. “Anytime these two get in the public eye, it usually follows with a flowing cash register.”
Press Tensions Rise During Harry And Meghan’s Australia Visit Amid Alleged Embargo Breach
Alongside this, concerns about press relations resurfaced. Reports cited by Guardian Australia claimed that the Daily Mail’s Australian outlet published embargoed details of the couple’s itinerary before they arrived in Melbourne, despite instructions that the information remain private until the tour began.
These included location details across Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, along with briefing materials and background notes.
Sources alleged that after a complaint from the Sussexes’ communications team, the article was removed.
It was also claimed that journalists may have followed members of the couple’s advance security team, raising concerns about privacy and safety during the visit. Local authorities, including Victoria Police and New South Wales Police, reportedly increased security measures as needed throughout the trip.
According to the same reports, the situation escalated enough to affect aspects of the tour, including how information was shared with the press across different stops in Australia.
Meghan’s communications team later confirmed a change in protocol, with a spokesperson stating that media outlets, including the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, and Sky News Australia, had “reported on sensitive embargoed information, complicating and compromising security arrangements.”
As a result, they said the couple would no longer be sharing detailed itineraries beyond the “initial ops note with media for the remainder of their trip.”
After wrapping up their engagements, Meghan and Harry returned quietly to California. On April 19, Meghan gave followers a look at their arrival through her Instagram Stories, where a “Welcome Home” sign was visible at their home.
She also posted a collection of gifts and treats that appeared to have been left for the family, including Australian snacks like Tim Tams, sweets, children’s books, stickers, coloring materials, and handwritten notes, seemingly intended for Archie and Lilibet.
