Meghan Markle’s MasterChef cameo slammed as ‘an absolute joke’ (Image: PA)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be calling their Australia visit private, but their packed schedule suggests anything but, with the couple darting between engagements in Melbourne, and celebrity chef Jameson Stocks already voicing strong opinions on Meghan’s latest move.

The former royal, 44, quietly slipped away during a gap in the itinerary to film a surprise cameo on MasterChef Australia. This would mark yet another unexpected turn in Meghan’s post-royal career – and not one that’s gone down quietly.

In an exclusive chat with the Daily Express, Jameson Stocks weighed in – and he didn’t hold back.

Meghan Markle made a surrpise appearance on MasterChef Australia (Image: Masterchef Australia )

Jameson has been vocal about Meghan’s growing interest in the food world – from her artisanal jam range to her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, and has now delivered a blistering verdict on her reported TV appearance.

He admitted that his initial reaction was disbelief. “Honestly, at first I thought it had to be a late April Fools’ joke or that someone had Photoshopped her into the picture.”

“Then it hit me that it was real, and I couldn’t help thinking what an absolute joke it was. It feels like the MasterChef brand is going to become a bit of a joke as well. I have no idea why she’s a judge or what qualifies her for the role, unless the contestants are just going to be slicing up some fruit and arranging it on a plate.”

Jameson’s comments strike at the heart of what has made MasterChef such a global success – credibility, skill, and years of culinary experience.

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The chef, who has cooked for King Charles, went even further when asked whether Meghan has the technical ability to critique aspiring chefs.

Slamming the former Suit’s star, Jameson was quick to say Meghan “absolutely does not.” Before adding, “Honestly, if I were a contestant on MasterChef, I would walk out. Being judged by someone who knows nothing or far less is disrespectful to both the contestants and the brand.”

The suggestion that Meghan could take on a judging role has sparked wider debate about the direction of food television, particularly shows that have long prided themselves on professional standards.

“I’m really interested to see what she actually ends up doing on the show. I’d love to know whether she takes on a specific task or shows off a certain skill. I doubt they’ll put her through a full skills test – but then again, you never know,” he added.

Jameson stocks branded Meghan’s appearance on MasterChef a joke (Image: Jameson Stocks)

The criticism also comes off the back of Meghan’s Netflix venture, which saw her step into a lifestyle and cooking space.

While the show aimed to showcase a softer, more domestic side of the Duchess, it faced scrutiny over its depth and authenticity. Jameson did not shy away from addressing that either.

He continued, “Her programme lacked substance from the start, and it inevitably calls the integrity of MasterChef into question – the word ‘master’ implies a highly skilled expert, and ‘chef’ speaks for itself, yet she’s neither.”

For many viewers, MasterChef represents a platform where talent is earned, not given – something Jameson believes could be undermined by celebrity involvement.

Meghan and Harry are carrying out a selection of engagements until the end of the week (Image: PA)

“I think the hard-core MasterChef fans will rebel. Out of all them around the world, Australia is the most respected.”

His comments tap into a broader concern across the industry – whether food television is shifting away from expertise and towards celebrity influence.

Jameson concluded: “It’s incredibly frustrating that cooking shows seem more interested in giving someone like Meghan Markle a platform even though, in my view, she has no real kitchen skills or formal training – instead of an expert with actual culinary skills.”

“Netflix handed her a massive platform, and now she’s headed to MasterChef as a judge – honestly, it’s absurd, she wouldn’t even be qualified as a trainee Chef in my kitchens.”