Australian political parties have ruled out using taxpayer money to fund Meghan Markle's personal security when she returns to Melbourne to film Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027. The Victorian Labor government and the Liberal-National Coalition have both said they would not pay for the Duchess of Sussex's security arrangements following the announcement of her upcoming television appearance.
Meghan will co-host the returning cooking competition alongside Australian chef Poh Ling Yeow. The political statements concern funding for the couple's personal protection, rather than necessarily ruling out police operations required to maintain public safety.
Victorian Parties Reject Meghan Markle Security Funding
The Victorian Labor government confirmed on 27 October that it would not fund security for Meghan or her family if it remained in power following the state's November election. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson also ruled out using public money for their protection under a Liberal-National Coalition government. She said: 'Not a single cent of Victorian taxpayer money should be spent on this.'
The statements establish a position shared by Victoria's two major political blocs on paying for the Sussexes' personal security during Meghan's upcoming television commitment. The decision does not automatically mean police will be absent from the area during filming or public appearances. Security arrangements for an individual and police operations intended to protect the public are separate matters.
Both major parties have united to rule out using taxpayer cash to fund Meghan Markle’s security when the Duchess of Sussex moves to Melbourne to film Junior MasterChef. > https://t.co/7LeUyK9pG1 pic.twitter.com/YCj0q6IDNO
— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) October 27, 2026
Meghan Markle Joins Junior MasterChef Australia
Meghan's planned return to Australia was announced on 27 October. She will join Junior MasterChef Australia, which is returning after a six-year break, as a co-host alongside Yeow. The programme will air on Network 10 in 2027, with filming scheduled to take place at the MasterChef Australia kitchen in Melbourne for several weeks. The role follows Meghan's appearance as a guest judge on the adult version of MasterChef Australia earlier in 2026, during her and Prince Harry's visit to the country.
Meghan said she was pleased to return to the programme and work with its young contestants. 'When they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes,' she said. She added that she enjoyed cooking with her children and looked forward to seeing what the young contestants would create.
Yeow, who regularly appears as a judge on MasterChef Australia, also welcomed the opportunity to work with Meghan again. Network 10 confirmed that the children's competition would return with the pair helping guide the next generation of young cooks.
Security Costs Have Previously Drawn Attention
The latest statements follow debate over who should pay for security during Prince Harry and Meghan's Australian visit in April 2026. Their trip included public appearances and commercial engagements, prompting questions about the use of police resources and whether taxpayers should cover any related costs.
The issue has returned to the political agenda ahead of Meghan's planned stay in Melbourne for the cooking programme. The commitments from both major Victorian political blocs indicate that neither intends to use state taxpayer funds to pay for the Sussexes' personal security.
What Happens Next?
Meghan is expected to travel to Melbourne for filming in 2027, although the precise dates of her stay and any accompanying family arrangements have not been confirmed in the available announcements. The return of Junior MasterChef Australia will bring her back to the country's television industry after her earlier guest appearance on the main series.
