Chef and television personality Poh Ling Yeow is speaking out in defense of the Duchess of Sussex, praising her co-star’s resilience as the pair prepare to reunite on screen.
Speaking to media outlets on Wednesday, the 52-year-old addressed the online backlash surrounding the announcement that Meghan Markle has secured a special guest role in the upcoming season of “MasterChef Junior Australia,” which is scheduled to air in 2027. Describing Markle’s critics as “insatiable and horrible,” Yeow commended the duchess for possessing a “will of steel” and noted that the experience has given her “even more admiration” for her colleague.
Characterizing their upcoming television collaboration as “the ultimate clapback” to earlier tabloid friction, Yeow remarked, “Eat that, people.” While social media reactions were divided—with some commentators dismissing Yeow’s comments as obligatory public relations praise while others applauded her loyalty—the chef maintained that working alongside Markle has been a positive experience.
The pair previously filmed an episode of “MasterChef Australia” together in April, which subsequently aired in July. Although summer reports alleged friction on set—including claims that Markle was frustrated after Yeow mistakenly referred to her as royalty—insiders pushed back against those rumors, insisting the two had a great time together. Yeow acknowledged that navigating the fallout from that appearance was intense and noted that rumors frequently shadow the former “Suits” star, adding that she experienced some of that collateral scrutiny firsthand.
In a press release issued this week, Markle described her decision to return to the cooking franchise as an “easy yes.” The duchess stated that she loves cooking with her own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and looks forward to seeing what the young contestants create in the kitchen. Yeow similarly described the prospect of their upcoming television reunion as a “real treat.”
Meanwhile, the duchess has been traveling with Prince Harry and their children during the October half-term break away from their California home. Sources indicate the family getaway coincides with ongoing public scrutiny surrounding investigations involving Thomas Markle Sr. in the Philippines regarding allegations of child pornography. The 82-year-old has denied the claims as falsehoods. In response to the investigation, Markle released a statement calling the allegations deeply distressing and suggesting the situation helps explain her prolonged estrangement from her father and her decision to keep him away from her children.
