In a refreshing shift that defies the usual beauty pageant norms, the Miss England competition is ditching its outdated swimwear round in favor of something far more impactful: life-saving skills. Contestants will now face the “CPR Queen” challenge, a bold new segment that replaces the traditional bikini modeling portion. This groundbreaking change is the brainchild of the current Miss World England, Milla Magee, a 23-year-old who is as passionate about saving lives as she is about her crown.
Magee, a trained lifeguard, has turned her personal tragedy into a life-saving mission. After her grandparents suffered heart attacks at home and no one knew what to do, Magee realized the immense value of CPR training. “When my grandparents had heart attacks, family members waited for help that came too late,” she shared with South West News Service. “If just one of them had known CPR, maybe their story — and mine — would be different.”
Determined to ensure others are better prepared, Magee has pushed for CPR education to be more widely available. Her campaign, “Go Far With CPR,” aims to make CPR training mandatory in schools across England. She’s even launched a Change.org petition to further this cause, garnering significant support along the way. “No one should have to stand by helplessly when a life could be saved,” she emphasized.
The “CPR Queen” challenge encourages contestants to showcase their CPR knowledge in creative ways. Whether it’s teaching it in their local communities or spreading awareness through social media, Magee’s goal is simple: to save lives by empowering young people with life-saving skills. This new round in the Miss England competition, which traditionally included swimwear, sportswear, and evening wear segments, is a perfect example of how the pageant world can evolve to reflect more meaningful values.
In a show of support, the Miss England pageant’s director, Angie Beasley, revealed she hadn’t known how to perform CPR before meeting Magee but is now fully committed to sharing the life-saving knowledge with future contestants. “I have to admit I didn’t know how to perform CPR before I met Milla… but I’m glad I know how to do it now,” Beasley admitted. Her newfound awareness has made both her and Magee even more determined to make CPR education a priority, especially for young women in the pageant community.
The announcement has already caught the attention of prominent figures, including Prince William, who sent Magee a letter of support ahead of her Miss World competition in India. Even Parliament has taken notice, as Magee’s campaign to make CPR training a requirement in schools has gained momentum.
The 2025 Miss England competition will still spotlight athleticism, formal wear, and interviews, but Magee’s introduction of the “CPR Queen” challenge stands as a reminder that beauty isn’t just skin deep. It’s about making a real, tangible impact on the world. Magee emphasized, “You have the power to save a life with your bare hands,” urging her fellow contestants to embrace the importance of empowering future generations. Her efforts are leaving a lasting legacy — one that values knowledge, responsibility, and compassion over superficial appearances.
For Magee, it’s clear: the true measure of a queen isn’t just beauty, but the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. And with this new chapter in Miss England’s history, it’s safe to say she’s winning more than just crowns.
