# Meghan Markle involvement in Junior MasterChef Australia

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/meghan-markle-junior-masterchef-australia-involvement
> Updated: 2026-10-29T15:58:20.000Z. Sources: 115. Developments: 3.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is scheduled to join the 2027 season of ‘Junior MasterChef Australia’ in Melbourne. This follows her guest appearance on the adult version of the program in April 2026, which reportedly drew the network’s largest Sunday audience since 2023.

Markle is expected to serve as a special guest and co-host alongside chef Poh Ling Yeow, marking the return of the junior format after a six-year hiatus. Paramount Australia has confirmed the arrangement, with filming slated to take place over several weeks at the Melbourne Showgrounds, likely starting between the beginning and middle of 2027. Markle expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing a personal affinity for cooking with her children, while Yeow described the collaboration as a “real treat.”

While the production requires a multi-week stay in Australia, it remains unconfirmed whether Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will accompany her during the filming period.

Her planned participation has led to political friction in the state of Victoria regarding the financing of her security. Both the Labor Party and the opposition have indicated they will not use taxpayer funds to cover the costs of her protection. A spokesperson for the Carroll government confirmed the Labor Party will not fund security, while opposition leader Jess Wilson stated that under a Liberal or National government, not “a single cent” of Victorian taxpayers' money would be spent on security for the Duchess and Prince Harry.

## Claims

- Filming is expected to take place in Melbourne. (reported by 4 sources)
- The Duchess will co-host alongside Poh Ling Yeow. (reported by 3 sources)
- Filming is expected to occur in the first half of 2027. (reported by 3 sources)
- Meghan Markle will co-host ‘Junior MasterChef Australia’ in 2027. (reported by 3 sources)
- Poh Ling Yeow will co-host the show with Meghan Markle. (reported by 3 sources)
- Filming is expected to occur in Melbourne. (reported by 3 sources)
- Filming is scheduled for the beginning to middle of next year. (reported by 3 sources)
- Meghan Markle previously appeared as a guest judge on the 18th season of ‘MasterChef Australia’ in April. (reported by 3 sources)
- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will co-host the rebooted Junior MasterChef Australia. (reported by 2 sources)
- The show features children aged between nine and 13. (reported by 2 sources)
- Meghan's April appearance as a guest judge achieved high Sunday ratings. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Meghan Markle to co-host Junior MasterChef Australia

Meghan Markle will co-host ‘Junior MasterChef Australia’ with Poh Ling Yeow in 2027, with filming expected in Melbourne.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meghan-markle-to-co-host-junior-masterchef-australia-1

### 2026-10-28: Meghan Markle faces security funding opposition in Australia

Meghan Markle's upcoming role on Junior MasterChef in Australia has met political resistance, with Victorian leaders refusing to use taxpayer funds for her security.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meghan-markle-faces-security-funding-opposition-in-australia

### 2026-10-26: Meghan Markle to join Junior MasterChef Australia in 2027

Meghan Markle will join Poh Ling Yeow as a special guest and co-host for the 2027 return of Junior MasterChef Australia.

112 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meghan-markle-to-co-host-junior-masterchef-australia

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Cite as: Meghan Markle involvement in Junior MasterChef Australia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/meghan-markle-junior-masterchef-australia-involvement