Prince Harry in ‘cringe’ phone call to Meghan Markle – Celebrity News – Entertainment

Prince Harry’s unexpected video call to Meghan Markle during her appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia divided viewers, with some praising the couple’s affectionate exchange and others branding it “cringe” and staged.

The Duke of Sussex briefly appeared on Sunday’s episode after calling the studio while Markle and the show’s regular judges were sampling dishes prepared by contestants.

“We had a phone call to the studio,” a production crew member told Markle as they handed her a phone.

Markle, 44, initially appeared uncertain about the interruption before realizing Harry was on the screen.

She smiled and greeted him by saying, “Hi, my love!”

Harry, 41, responded with an Australian-style greeting, “G’day.”

Judges Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin were among those seen laughing during the surprise exchange. Markle then turned the phone toward the studio audience and announced, “My husband’s here.”

Audience members cheered as Harry waved from the screen.

“What’s going on? Have I interrupted something important?” he asked.

“Well, we’re actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes,” Markle replied, pointing the camera toward the plates she and the other judges had been reviewing.

The former Suits actor also introduced Harry to contestants Aaron Kher, Casper Kenworthy and Petro Papathomas.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “They’re so talented.”

Markle added, “We wish you were here,” before explaining that Harry was in Canberra meeting with veterans.”

“Well, go and enjoy it. I’m very sorry to disturb you. All is well here. I’ll see you later,” Harry said before ending the call.

The brief appearance prompted sharply different reactions on social media.

“Wow, these two are so in love,” one viewer wrote on X.

Another supporter said, “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.”

Meanwhile, another viewer wrote: “Please stop with the contrived BS. Oh SURE Harry just happened to call a random phone number to talk to the Duchess while he knows she’s filming. Sure.”