Milla Magee, the first plus-size woman to win Miss England, has officially withdrawn from the Miss World 2025 pageant in India. The 24-year-old from Cornwall, who also works as a lifeguard, left the competition midway due to concerns over how contestants were being treated.
Magee shared that she felt uncomfortable with the constant pressure to wear full makeup and dress formally at all times, especially during events held for wealthy sponsors. According to her, the environment felt more focused on appearance than on values she wanted to promote.
Earlier in the competition, Magee had pushed for changes in the pageant format. She led efforts to replace the traditional swimsuit round with a CPR training challenge, shifting the focus from physical looks to practical life-saving skills. Her bold move even drew the attention of Prince William.
After her departure, pageant organizers selected Charlotte Grant, the runner-up, to take her place and represent England in the finals. Officials respected Magee’s decision and stated that her mental and emotional health was their priority.
Magee’s exit has sparked renewed debate about the relevance of beauty pageants today. Many are now calling for competitions like Miss World to modernize their rules and adopt more ethical, inclusive practices.
