Meghan Markle has been dealt a major blow after some Australian politicians shut down any chance of taxpayer-funded security ahead of her reported TV comeback. The Duchess of Sussex is set to spend several weeks in Melbourne early next year after confirming she will co-host a rebooted series of Junior MasterChef.
But her grand return Down Under has already sparked furious backlash, with both major political parties in Victoria refusing to foot the bill for her protection.
Politicians rule out funding
According to Australia's Herald Sun, a spokesperson for the Carroll government firmly poured cold water on the idea on Tuesday, confirming Labour will not pay a penny for the Duchess's security if re-elected at next month's polls.
And the Coalition followed suit within minutes, delivering a brutal reality check to the Sussexes. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson vowed she wouldn't spend a "single cent" on Harry and Meghan if she takes the top job in November.
"Not a single cent of Victorian taxpayer money should be spent on this," said. "And under a Liberal and Nationals government I lead, it wouldn't be."
Meghan's return to MasterChef
The latest political row comes after Meghan gushed about her return to the Network 10 series, where she will star alongside regular MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow.
Meghan said she "can't wait" to return to the programme after featuring as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia this summer.
"I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes," she said in a statement.
"I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what they cook up."
Announcement and audience impact
Meghan's return to Australian TV was announced by Paramount Australia on Tuesday, which said the programme will air next year on Network Ten. She will host alongside Australian chef and TV presenter Poh Ling Yeow.
Meghan, 45, appeared as a guest judge on the 18th season of MasterChef Australia, where contestants were challenged to transform a staple ingredient into a dish "fit for a duchess". Paramount said her appearance drew the programme's largest Sunday audience since 2023.
A statement from the company said: "With Poh's culinary expertise and Meghan's enthusiasm for cooking and nurturing young talent, Junior MasterChef Australia promises to serve up plenty of inspiration as the next generation of Australian cooks steps into the kitchen."
