Newquay, Cornwall – Milla Magee, crowned Miss England in May 2024, is making headlines not only for her beauty but for challenging traditional beauty standards.
At 23, Magee has become a symbol of body positivity and inclusivity, and she’s using her platform to promote self-acceptance and societal change.
Magee, a size 16, is celebrated as the first plus-size Miss England, a milestone that has sparked significant interest and discussion.
Raised in London amidst a rock ‘n’ roll environment—with a mother who worked at Creation Records and a godmother who is Noel Gallagher’s ex-wife, Meg Matthews—Magee was surrounded by celebrity culture and its often unrealistic beauty standards.
Her early life was marked by a struggle with body dysmorphia. Magee recounted, “I went to an all-girls school and I think that’s where the struggle started.
A lot of the other girls were petite and small. It’s not in my bone structure to look like that but I tried to conform to that because it’s what society told me I had to look like.” This internal conflict led her to a period of self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
However, Magee found inspiration and solace in historical figures like Marilyn Monroe and modern models such as Naomi Campbell.
“We had role models of women back in the day, like the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe, who was curvaceous, or models like Naomi Campbell, who are very tall and athletically built,” Magee said.
“They’re so beautiful and embrace their looks. It’s about embracing whatever we’ve been born with and it’s still beautiful.”
Her move to Newquay at age 16 marked a significant shift in her life. The change in environment, combined with her passion for surfing, played a pivotal role in her journey toward self-acceptance.
“Surfing saved my life,” she said. “Living in London, I struggled a lot mentally, trying to conform to a lifestyle that wasn’t truly me. Surfing provided a sense of freedom and helped me stay true to myself.”
Magee’s victory as Miss England represents more than personal achievement; it is a statement against conventional beauty norms. She emphasizes that Miss England is evolving beyond a traditional beauty contest to one that embraces “beauty with a purpose.”
“It’s not about the physical on the outside, it’s about beauty from the inside,” Magee explained. “We’ve had firefighters, lawyers, doctors—women from all walks of life. I’m proud to represent as the first surfer and lifeguard.”
In addition to her advocacy for body positivity, Magee is championing a vital cause through her campaign, Go Far with CPR.
This initiative aims to make CPR training compulsory in schools, a cause close to her heart due to personal loss. “Both of my grandfathers passed away before I was born due to heart attacks,” she shared.
Magee’s commitment to positive change is clear. As she prepares for the Miss World event, she is determined to use her platform to inspire and advocate for causes that matter.
“If I can be a representative to all those young girls who look at me and think they can relate, then I’ve done my job,” she said.
Milla Magee’s reign as Miss England is not just about wearing the crown; it’s about redefining beauty standards and making a difference through her voice and actions.
