The Duchess of Sussex is set to travel abroad with Prince Harry and their children after confirming her return to Australia for a new season of Junior MasterChef Australia. Meghan Markle had a five-word response to the opportunity, stating she is leaving the UK to take on the role.
Meghan confirmed she is heading back to Australia to appear on the new season of Junior MasterChef Australia, following her stint as a guest judge on the regular series earlier in 2026. In a statement, she said it was an easy decision to return.
Meghan's Excitement About Returning
Meghan expressed her enthusiasm, saying: "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 added: "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!"
Co-Star and Production Comments
MasterChef Australia judge Poh Ling Yeow will also appear on the programme, saying: "I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat. I can't wait to meet our pint-sized culinary adventurers."
A statement from the production 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."
Filming Schedule and Family Plans
The new season is slated for release in 2027 and will require Meghan to be away from Britain "for weeks." Journalist Lauren Tomasi told Australia's flagship breakfast news show, Today: "We know she was in Melbourne a little earlier this year and she appeared as a guest judge on the main series during that time."
Tomasi added: "I guess she loves Melbourne and MasterChef so much she needed to come back. It's not going to be any short period of time either. This is going to be a weeks-long stint which I think begs the question: Are Harry and the kids going to come too?"
She speculated: "I would hazard a guess at maybe, yes. They have become quite the globe-trotting family. They have moved from the US to the UK, they love a bit of a trip. I think all four should head down under to Melbourne. That will be for the 2027 season of Junior MasterChef."
Meghan previously appeared as a guest judge on series 18 of MasterChef Australia, where contestants were asked to prepare a dish "fit for a duchess." Her appearance drew Paramount's largest Sunday audience since 2023.
