KATE Chastain has been the queen of the high seas for six seasons of Below Deck.
She sensationally quit in a surprise Instagram post on Monday, which poked fun at Meghan Markle’s departure from the Royal Family.
The 36-year-old reality television star – who is Chief Steward – dropped the bombshell, which mimicked the language from the recent post by the Sussexes.
She wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, I have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new land based role.
“I intend to step back as a senior member of the Below Deck Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support His Majesty Andy Cohen.”
Kate first joined the Below Deck crew in Season 2, which debuted in August 2014.
Her most recent season in Thailand has been her most difficult.
In one episode, during an argument in a tense van ride home, Boson Ashton Pienaar lunged at Chastain before taking his frustrations out by punching the car door.
She walked off the Valor, saying that she quit, but did return the next morning.
Chastain said that she was left questioning her future in yachting.
She also found herself at odds with chef Kevin Dobson, as they grated on each other and he purposefully kicked sand at her in the finale.
Kate is the second longest running member of the crew, with only Captain Lee Rosbach featuring on the show for longer – he has been with the series since the beginning.
Her dry humor and no nonsense style – along with her ability to plan and execute a party – made her a fan favourite.