EXCLUSIVE: Celebrity chef Cat Cora reveals how she became ‘BUDDIES’ with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – after mutual friend Oprah invited her to cook for the Duke’s birthday

Celebrity chef Cat Cora has revealed the rather surprising way she became “friends” with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as she chatted with Lance Armstrong about their phones’ most famous numbers on an upcoming episode of Stars on March.

The Iron Chef star, 56, candidly opened up about how she was introduced to the famous couple during a chat with former professional road cyclist Armstrong.

In an exclusive clip from Monday night’s episode, Armstrong reminisced about an earlier conversation in which they discussed “the most famous person on your phone.”

One of the big names included Oprah, and Cora said: ‘Yeah, she texts me once in a while and asks me if there’s anything I can do. Or I’ll text her on her birthday and stuff like that.

Rubbing shoulders: The Iron Chef star, 56, was introduced to the famous couple by Oprah Winfrey; pictured with the Sussexes in May 2022

The TV chef went on to explain how Oprah hooked her up with the Duke and the former Suits actress as she continued: ‘Once last year I heard my phone say “Oprah is calling” and she said “Cat, it’s Harry’s birthday” – Harry and Meghan, you know – “and I need you cook for them”.

Cora joked that she had only been given two days notice to organize what she needed for the birthday meal before continuing: “So I cooked for them and they became friends. They are really nice.

His comment seemed to take Armstrong by surprise when he replied, “They are?” Interesting.’

Cora then emphasized her love for the late Queen Elizabeth II, to which Armstrong joked, “Daughter, you’re from Mississippi.” Why are you talking about the queen?

The chef defended himself by replying: “She was really nice, she was like an old grandmother.”

Lance then responded by stating, “We’re Americans,” before the pair laughed together.

In May 2022, the chef revealed her knowledge of the Sussexes after sharing photos of them talking at a polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club.

Cora’s legend of the annual Harry East Memorial Tournament revealed her excitement at being able to attend, writing: ‘My dreams of being a pretty wife have come true! I was able to stomp some dives this weekend with my amazing friends the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to support local charities at the Santa Barbara polo grounds. The Duke and his team have won! Long live the Padres!!’

Huge fan: The TV personality said the couple were ‘really sweet’; photographed in May 2022

Debriefing: The reality TV star explained everything to fellow Stars on Mars contestant Lance Armstrong

A few months later, she also revealed her admiration for the Queen when she died aged 96.

She wrote in tribute: “Today the world says goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s longest serving female monarch.” She was the queen of our generation, but also a wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

“His genius as a leader in the UK and around the world was truly inspiring. She captivated the world with her eloquent words as we got a glimpse into the life of Her Majesty and the Royal Family.

She continued, “I have such fond memories of watching her on TV in her elegant jewelry and beautiful, colorful dresses and costumes.

Best friends: The chef revealed Oprah Winfrey is the most famous person on his phone and the couple text each other regularly

Tune In: Stars On Mars Will Return Next Monday On Fox

“My heart is with all members of the Royal Family today. Rest in Peace Your Majesty, God Save The Queen’.

Stars on Mars was filmed in South Australia and saw famous ‘astronauts’ living together in a habitat in the Coober Pedy desert in Australia’s Outback.

The previous episode saw Cora decide to eliminate comedian Andy Richter from the “Mars” habitat.

Stars On Mars returns next Monday on Fox.