Meghan Markle has shared a new detail about life at home with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. During an appearance on MasterChef Australia, the Duchess of Sussex spoke about her children’s eating habits and the rule that shapes dessert time. According to People Magazine, Meghan said her two children are “great eaters” and often get involved with food long before it reaches the table. The family’s Montecito home, with its garden and orchard, plays a central role in that routine and gives meals a hands-on feel.
Meghan Markle Says Her Children Help in the Garden
The duchess explained that Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, like to take part in the process. “The kids are great eaters; we’re very lucky on that front,” Meghan told judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin. She added that the children “jump in a lot, especially with the garden,” linking their interest in food to the outdoor space around the family home. Prince Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito in 2020, and the property’s garden, chicken coop and orchard have become part of daily family life.
Meghan Markle Sets a Fruit-First Dessert Policy
The clearest detail came when Meghan described what happens when her children ask for something sweet. “If they say, ‘Mama, can I have dessert?’ We say, ‘If you can pick it, you can have it,’ ” Meghan said according to People Magazine. That means fruit from the garden can become dessert, while packaged treats are not the first option. When judge Sofia Levin joked that chocolate cannot be picked, Meghan agreed and answered that a piece of fruit fits the rule. She also noted that dessert still has a place at home, adding that the family always has a nice “pud.”
Archie and Lilibet Also Love Meghan’s Pancakes
Breakfast appears to be another area where Meghan brings the children into the fun. She previously spoke about making what she calls “surprise pancakes,” a meal that keeps Archie and Lilibet guessing until the pancake is flipped. The toppings can include rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips or blueberries arranged into a smiley face. Fresh fruit preserves are also part of the family menu. Meghan has said the jams matter to her because they connect back to berry-picking season and the work of making them at home.
Prince Harry and Meghan Balance Fresh Food and Freezer Staples
The picture that emerges is not one of strict perfection but of balance. Alongside fruit, preserves and home cooking, Meghan has also spoken openly about relying on easy family staples when time is short. Fried eggs and bacon are favorites in the household, and some mornings call for a frozen waffle in the toaster. That mix of fresh produce and practical shortcuts gives a fuller sense of how the Sussex family handles meals. It is a grounded snapshot of parenting, with the garden setting the tone for dessert.
