MasterChef Australia’s Poh Ling Yeow Breaks Silence on Meghan Markle Controversy and Reveals Why She Has ‘Even More Admiration’ for the Duchess

MasterChef Australia star Poh Ling Yeow has spoken candidly about the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle’s appearance on the cooking competition, revealing that witnessing the backlash firsthand has only strengthened her admiration for the Duchess of Sussex.

The Australian chef, 52, worked alongside Meghan, 45, when the former actress appeared as a guest judge earlier this year.

However, reports subsequently claimed that Meghan and her team were unhappy with how she had been introduced on the programme.

Now, Poh has addressed the speculation directly, describing the experience as an eye-opening lesson in the intense scrutiny Meghan faces.

Poh Ling Yeow Defends Meghan Markle After On-Set Rumors

Speaking to PEDESTRIAN.TV in an interview shared on October 28, Poh reflected on the attention generated by Meghan’s appearance.

“Honestly, that was a really crazy experience, to actually watch the fallout,” she admitted.

The chef then offered a striking assessment of the Duchess’s ability to withstand public criticism.

“Seriously, the woman has a will of steel, and I just have even more admiration for her,” Poh said.

She suggested that Meghan’s public profile makes her a constant target for speculation.

“I think rumors just follow because it’s just the nature of the beast, you know. Like, people are insatiable and horrible,” she explained.

Poh acknowledged that some of the controversy had even affected her personally, giving her a glimpse of the attention surrounding Meghan.

What Really Happened During Meghan’s MasterChef Appearance?

The speculation began after New Idea reported that Meghan’s team had allegedly objected to the use of the word “royalty” during her on-air introduction.

The publication also cited a source suggesting that Poh had been upset by the resulting controversy.

However, both Meghan’s representatives and Poh rejected suggestions of tension.

A source close to the Duchess told PEOPLE that Meghan had a “great time” filming and described claims of frustration as false.

Poh also dismissed the reports during an August radio interview, insisting she had enjoyed working with Meghan.

“I have nothing to complain about at all,” she said.

The chef admitted that the attention surrounding the rumors had taken her by surprise.

“It’s the first time anything like that’s kind of happened to me, so it’s been very eye-opening for me to see what she cops every day,” Poh explained.

“It’s really full-on.”

Meghan Markle Set to Reunite With Poh for Junior MasterChef Australia

Despite the earlier controversy, Meghan and Poh are preparing to work together again.

The Duchess has been announced as a co-host of the upcoming Junior MasterChef Australia, which will bring her back to Australian television in 2027.

Meghan expressed excitement about the opportunity, explaining that her positive experience on the original programme made accepting the invitation an easy decision.

“I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun,” she said.

Poh also clarified an important detail about Meghan’s involvement.

“I think a lot of people think she’s coming on for one appearance, but she’s going to be on with me the entire season,” she revealed.

The chef joked that the announcement had spoiled her planned surprise at an industry presentation.

“It was going to be my mic drop moment today, people!” she laughed.

Interestingly, Poh admitted that she had not spoken directly with Meghan since the news became public.

“I do not have Meghan Markle’s number,” she joked.

For Poh, the experience of working with Meghan has clearly left a lasting impression.

Rather than changing her opinion of the Duchess, the controversy surrounding their first collaboration appears to have given her a greater appreciation of the pressure Meghan faces in the public eye.