In an unexpected twist on “MasterChef Australia,” viewers were treated to a surprise appearance by Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex briefly joined the show via FaceTime to reach out to his wife, Meghan Markle, who was serving as a guest judge on the popular cooking competition.
During Sunday’s episode, as the Duchess of Sussex collaborated with fellow judges to critique the dishes served by the eager contestants, Harry made his surprise call into the studio, much to the delight of everyone present.
A member of the production crew approached Markle with the unexpected phone call and informed her, “We had a phone call to the studio.” Curiosity quickly turned to joy as the identity of the caller was revealed.
Initially appearing puzzled, Markle’s expression shifted to one of delight when she realized it was her husband, Harry. Her face lit up as she warmly greeted him with a heartfelt, “Hi, my love!”
The spontaneous cameo brought smiles and laughter to the judges’ table, including fellow culinary experts Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin. In true Aussie spirit, Harry responded with a cheerful “G’day,” endearing himself further to the audience.
“My husband’s here,” the “Suits” alum told audience members, while showing them the phone.
The spectators shrieked and cheered in excitement as Harry, 41, waved, then joked, “What’s going on? Have I interrupted something important?”
“Well, we’re actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes,” Markle responded, while showing off the plates and gushing over her favorite bites.
The actress also introduced the “Spare” writer to the show’s contestants, including Aaron Kher, Casper Kenworthy and Petro Papathomas.
“It’s amazing,” she said, appearing giddy. “They’re so talented.”
“We wish you were here,” Markle continued, telling the judges that he was in Canberra, Australia, with veterans.
“Well, go and enjoy it. I’m very sorry to disturb you. All is well here. I’ll see you later,” the Invictus Games founder said before hanging up the call.
Several viewers online appeared to have enjoyed the “sweet” interaction, with one writing via X, “Wow, these two are so in love.”
“Prince Harry and Meghan will always do whatever it takes to show up and support one another and it’s one of the reasons their marriage is so successful,” another wrote, as a third chimed in, “Great moment! That’s a sweet marriage. Everyone present is going to recall this forever”
While several agreed it was a “cute moment,” other critics shared a different opinion, with one writing, “Absolute cringe.”
A second hater stated that they didn’t believe Harry “just happened to call a random phone number to talk” to Markle, with another agreeing it was “so fake.”
“So staged,” a fourth netizen added.
Markle stepped in as a guest judge for the competition series earlier this year while she and Harry were visiting Australia.
The couple, who wed in 2018, are the parents to Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. It’s unclear if the little ones joined them on the trip.
An insider told Page Six that Markle “had a great time” working on set alongside Poh and other judges.