Milla Magee, a 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, Cornwall, has emerged as a powerful voice for change, redefining what it means to be a beauty queen in the modern era. As the first plus-size Miss England (2024) and a passionate advocate for CPR education, Milla’s journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and standing up for her principles. Her recent withdrawal from the Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad, India, citing ethical concerns, has sparked global conversations about the treatment of women in beauty pageants. This SEO-optimized biography delves into Milla Magee’s life, career, advocacy, and the bold decisions that have made her a beacon of inspiration.
Early Life and Background
Milla Magee was born in London in 2001 and spent her early years in the capital before moving to Newquay, Cornwall. Her upbringing was marked by challenges, including academic struggles and bullying at school due to her weight. Despite these obstacles, Milla’s determination and resilience shaped her into a confident and driven individual. She attended More House School in London but faced difficulties that led her to relocate to Cornwall, where she found solace in the coastal lifestyle and her passion for lifeguarding.
Growing up in Newquay, Milla embraced the outdoors, developing a love for surfing and the sea. Her experiences as a lifeguard not only honed her physical skills but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility to protect and serve others. This commitment to public safety would later become a cornerstone of her advocacy work. Milla’s journey from a bullied teenager to a celebrated public figure highlights her ability to transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.
Rise to Miss England 2024
Milla Magee’s entry into the world of beauty pageants was unconventional. At size 16, she broke barriers by becoming the first plus-size woman to win the Miss England title in 2024. Her victory was a landmark moment, challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting body positivity. Milla’s win was celebrated not only for her beauty but also for her authenticity and dedication to meaningful causes.
Unlike traditional pageants, the Miss England competition under Milla’s participation emphasized substance over superficiality. The pageant eliminated the bikini round, focusing instead on contestants’ contributions to society. Milla’s campaign, “Go Far with CPR,” aimed to raise awareness about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and its life-saving potential. Her work in this area reportedly earned support from Prince William, reflecting her ability to connect with influential figures to amplify her message.
Milla’s Miss England journey was marked by her commitment to empowering young people and promoting inclusivity. Her win resonated with audiences worldwide, positioning her as a role model for those who felt marginalized by conventional beauty standards. Her platform as Miss England gave her a voice to advocate for social change, a responsibility she took seriously.
Miss World 2025 Controversy
Milla Magee’s participation in the Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad, India, brought her into the global spotlight for reasons beyond her title. Arriving in Hyderabad on May 7, 2025, Milla was expected to represent the United Kingdom in the prestigious competition. However, on May 16, she made the unprecedented decision to withdraw from the pageant, becoming the first Miss England to exit mid-competition in its 74-year history. Her departure sent shockwaves through the pageant world and sparked intense media coverage.
In an interview with The Sun, Milla revealed that her decision was driven by moral and ethical concerns about the treatment of contestants. She described the pageant environment as “outdated” and claimed that contestants were expected to wear heavy makeup and ball gowns at all times, even during casual settings like breakfast. More disturbingly, she alleged that contestants were asked to socialize with wealthy male sponsors at dinners, an experience she found “demeaning” and “exploitative.” Milla stated, “I went there to make a difference, but we had to sit like performing monkeys. Morally, I couldn’t be a part of it.” She further expressed feeling “like a prostitute” due to the pressure to entertain sponsors, a sentiment that resonated with many advocating for reform in the pageant industry.
The Miss World Organisation, led by Chairperson Julia Morley, responded by denying Milla’s allegations, claiming she had cited a family emergency involving her mother’s health as the reason for her departure. The organization released unedited videos of Milla expressing gratitude and joy during her time in India, asserting that her claims were “false and defamatory.” Telangana’s Special Chief Secretary, Jayesh Ranjan, also conducted an inquiry and found no evidence of inappropriate behavior, citing CCTV footage that showed Milla seated with a senior IAS officer and his family at the event in question.
Despite the controversy, Milla’s decision was supported by figures like Telangana minister K.T. Rama Rao, who condemned the alleged “gaslighting” of her claims and called for a thorough investigation. Her bold stand has fueled discussions about the relevance and ethics of beauty pageants, with many praising her courage to prioritize her principles over fame.
Advocacy and “Go Far with CPR”
Milla Magee’s advocacy work is centered on her “Go Far with CPR” campaign, which aims to educate the public about the importance of CPR in saving lives. As a lifeguard, Milla has firsthand experience with emergency situations, and her campaign reflects her commitment to empowering communities with life-saving skills. Her work has been recognized for its impact, earning her praise from high-profile figures like Prince William.
Through her platform as Miss England, Milla has conducted workshops, spoken at events, and used social media to spread awareness about CPR. Her campaign aligns with the Miss World ethos of “Beauty with a Purpose,” though she felt the pageant failed to live up to this value during her participation. Milla’s advocacy extends beyond CPR, as she champions body positivity, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment, making her a multifaceted role model.
Personal Life and Values
Milla Magee’s personal life is defined by her grounded nature and commitment to authenticity. Living in Newquay, she remains deeply connected to her coastal roots, often seen surfing or engaging in community activities. Her experiences with bullying have shaped her empathy and drive to support others facing similar challenges. Milla’s decision to speak out about her Miss World experience reflects her unwavering moral compass and refusal to conform to expectations that compromise her values.
While little is publicly known about her family or romantic life, Milla’s focus remains on her career and advocacy. Her LinkedIn profile highlights her role as the founder of “Go Far with CPR,” underscoring her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to public service. Milla’s ability to balance her roles as a lifeguard, advocate, and public figure demonstrates her resilience and multifaceted talents.
Challenges and Resilience
Milla Magee’s journey has not been without challenges. From childhood bullying to academic struggles, she has faced adversity with remarkable strength. Her experience in the Miss World pageant, while controversial, further showcased her resilience. By publicly addressing her concerns, Milla risked backlash but chose to prioritize her integrity, earning admiration for her courage.
The media storm following her withdrawal presented its own challenges, with conflicting narratives from the Miss World Organisation and Telangana officials. Despite these disputes, Milla’s story has resonated with those advocating for gender equality and ethical treatment in public platforms. Her ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining her focus on advocacy highlights her as a leader in her generation.
Impact and Legacy
Milla Magee’s legacy is one of courage, authenticity, and social impact. As the first plus-size Miss England, she has redefined beauty standards, inspiring women to embrace their individuality. Her “Go Far with CPR” campaign has empowered communities with life-saving knowledge, while her withdrawal from Miss World 2025 has sparked critical conversations about the treatment of women in pageants.
Her story has been covered by major outlets like The Sun, Hindustan Times, India Today, and The Indian Express, reflecting her global influence. Milla’s decision to prioritize her values over a prestigious title has positioned her as a role model for young women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Her advocacy for body positivity, mental health, and CPR education continues to inspire, ensuring her legacy extends far beyond the pageant stage.
Conclusion
Milla Magee is more than a beauty queen; she is a trailblazer who has used her platform to challenge norms, advocate for change, and stand up for what is right. From her groundbreaking win as Miss England to her bold exit from Miss World 2025, Milla’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity. As she continues her work as a lifeguard and advocate, Milla Magee remains a beacon of hope for those striving to make a difference in the world.
FAQs About Milla Magee
- Who is Milla Magee?
Milla Magee is a 24-year-old lifeguard from Newquay, Cornwall, who won the Miss England 2024 title as the first plus-size winner. She is also the founder of the “Go Far with CPR” campaign. - Why did Milla Magee withdraw from Miss World 2025?
Milla withdrew from the Miss World 2025 pageant in Hyderabad, citing ethical concerns and feeling “exploited” by the organizers, who she claimed pressured contestants to entertain sponsors. - What is Milla Magee’s “Go Far with CPR” campaign?
“Go Far with CPR” is Milla’s initiative to raise awareness about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), teaching communities life-saving skills. It has been supported by figures like Prince William. - What made Milla Magee’s Miss England win significant?
Milla was the first plus-size (size 16) woman to win Miss England in 2024, breaking traditional beauty standards and promoting body positivity. - How did the Miss World Organisation respond to Milla’s allegations?
The Miss World Organisation denied Milla’s claims, stating she left due to a family emergency and releasing videos showing her expressing gratitude during her time in India. - What challenges has Milla Magee faced?
Milla faced bullying over her weight, academic struggles, and controversy following her Miss World withdrawal, yet she has remained steadfast in her advocacy and values. - Where does Milla Magee live?
Milla lives in Newquay, Cornwall, where she works as a lifeguard and engages in community activities like surfing. - What is Milla Magee’s educational background?
Milla attended More House School in London but faced academic challenges, later moving to Cornwall, where she pursued her career and advocacy work.
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