Meet the extended reign Pageant Queens !

Due to COVID19 many pageants including National and International finals have either been postponed or cancelled until 2021. So we now have lots of National and International Queens that are keeping there titles for up to 2 years. This has really effected the pageant industry already so I decided to interview some of the longest reigning queens to get there thoughts on this.

Junior Miss Diamond UK 2019 Sasha Star Age 13

Handover May 2020 now Handover to be arranged when safe to do so.

How does it feel to have you’re reign extended ?

Who doesn’t want to be a queen for longer? This year has not gone to anyone plans but honestly it’s important to always try and stay positive. I feel incredibly lucky to have my title longer as not matter what I will always continue on with my charity and community work.

Do you feel it’s fair having you reign extended as you weren’t able to fulfil your duties during your year fully due to the lockdown being enforced ?

I think it’s been incredibly difficult to make more appearances but I feel that I am fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability. We are still fundraising for many charitable causes, we are making appearances in new ways everyday. I am still very active in my community as just recently I’ve donated food to our local food bank, ran an free Easter colouring competition for the children in my community all self funded by myself. I think it’s important even during these difficult times to try and help as much as We possibly can. I’ve started group chats for young girls as boys that are feeling lonely and wanting to just try and socialise through FaceTime, it’s so important that we are taking care our each other and our me that health.

Do you think that pageants will recover from this ?

Yes, pageants are more than a crown they are a community of incredible, inspirational individuals. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for certain woman that have impacted my life. We will couture to support each other because that is what pageants is all about… bigging my sisters up.

Will you continue to proactively promote your system during your extended reign ?

Yes I have been continuing to be vocal and helpful as much as I can every single day. I talk to many finalist that just want to talk or want advice ready for The finals.

Some contestants will have to change age groups or might not beable to compete in there planned pageant, what’s your advice to them ?

I know how much this can be scary and so worrying because either you wasn’t planning to move up in age groups. But I would honestly wouldn’t worry because you are still going to enjoy every moment, if things was easy everyone would do it. Take this time to practise practise practise. Enjoy every opportunity life brings to you and never be scared to ask advice from other girls.

What’s you advice to regional finalists, how best should they use this time now they have also had there reign extended ?

Take this time to maybe create or advertise your platform, create new ways to fundraise. Never be scared to be who you want to be. Try and create new ways for appearances because you can’t go wrong with trying.

Do you think the idea of having virtual heats or finals is a good idea I know this has already happened in some systems ?

I personally don’t mind either because it’s so important that we are safe yes it can be so upsetting and it’s not what we all planned at all but try and stay positive because things will only get brighter at then end of the rainbow. So many lives have been affected by convid-19 and it is so easy to affected by all this! We have to try and be there for each other and take care of ourselves more now than ever. Keeping your mental health positive and healthy is so incredibly important especially during these last few months. Lockdown is not easy for anyone, and it only take 2 secs to say hi how are you?

Woman Great British Beauty 2019-2020 Dianne Age 46

How does it feel to have you’re reign extended ?

I feel extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to continue as a queen for great british beauty. I couldn’t wish for a nicer team of Queens to remain with.

Do you feel it’s fair having you reign extended as you weren’t able to fulfil your duties during your year fully due to the lockdown being enforced ?

I Definately believe that our director has made an informed decision, about not arranging our handover for this year. We have all done so well with raiding awareness and funds for our designated charity, I am grateful for the opportunity to raise more.

Do you think that pageants will recover from this ?

I think that pageants will stage a recovery, there is possibly going to be a prolonged period of absence from events as we know them, but the community spirit is so strong and we will always continue with our fundraising and platform awareness.

Will you continue to proactively promote your system during your extended reign ?

I will be very proactive in promoting my system, as I have been already. If you are fundraising for a designated charity remember that they will be struggling financially at this time. Take the opportunity to spread awareness of your charity, and do some online events and fundraising to keep active.

Some contestants will have to change age groups or might not beable to compete in there planned pageant, what’s your advice to them ?

If you have to move up age catergory because of the changes due to Covid-19, I would say tgat you should be very proud of yourselves, you have not only been recognised in your existing age group, but you are given the additional honour of representing your system again at a higher age. You choose your system with commitment in mind. If you have aged out of your chosen pageant, remember that you may not be the only one, and your director will still he honoured of ypir support. Why not ask the question of an additional age catergory that you fit into, or ask if they can extend the age group for this one year. Your dedication is something your director values.

What’s you advice to regional finalists, how best should they use this time now they have also had there reign extended ?

If you are a finalist, and not yet a queen, I would say to you that you have been given a great opportunity to spread awareness of your cause and your system, take the opportunity to tell your friends all about it, and see if you can get some more support for your finals. There are lots of fellow finalists and queen’s who are holding online events this is a great way of adding things to your appearance book and your charity total

Do you think the idea of having virtual heats or finals is a good idea I know this has already happened in some systems ?

Virtual heats are positive in this situation, however, it does take a lot of the finalists adventure away. It is an honour to get through to a final, to spend the day preparing and meeting your fellow contestants personally. The changing room experience is something that I wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Title Classic Regency International and Classic Diamond Uk Name sonja Wilson Age 52

Handover before COVID19 or international final dates

All postponed . Diamond was May and Regency was July.

Handover after covid 19 or International final dates

Diamond TBC Regency International July 2021 Las Vegas

So you will be the longest reigning queen in your system, how does that make you feel ?

From a personal point of view of course I’m happy to retain my titles as every queen will tell you, it’s hard to give up a crown; but the reality is that of sadness too. Such a terrible disease has touched the lives of pretty much everyone on the planet in some way. I’m just grateful to be alive and to be able to support within my business the key services.

Do you feel it’s fair having you reign extended as you weren’t able to fulfil your duties during your year fully due to the lockdown being enforced ?

I think it’s not about what’s fair or unfair it about making the most out of a bad situation. I will continue to do lots of work with my title and support others around me. There’s always alternative ways and during lockdown there has been so much positivity and thank goodness for social media and technology keeping us all in touch. Think of those people during the war that could only write letters and had no idea if their loved ones were dead or alive. It could be alot worse; do I’m grateful for what I have.

Do you think that pageants will recover from this ?

Yes pageants will bounce back and the girls will all be eager to get back into the swing of things!

Will you continue to proactively promote your system during your extended reign ?

Absolutely, I feel very lucky to have chosen such a great system to be a part of and because of this it’s easy to promote.

Some contestants will have to change age groups or might not beable to compete in there planned pageant, what’s your advice to them ?

I believe that sometimes things happen for a reason so embrace the change and by your plans changing it will push you out of your comfort zone. Go with it and afterwards feel proud that you did it regardless of the outcome. It’s a good to test your strength as it reminds you of what you can achieve .

What’s you advice to regional finalists, how best should they use this time now they have also had there reign extended ?

Use the time to practice and be fully prepared. How many times have you entered a competition and said I wish I’d had more time? Use the time wisely and don’t waste it .

Do you think the idea of having virtual heats or finals is a good idea I know this has already happened in some systems ?

I think there are pros and cons to both the virtual pageant and a physical pageant. Obviously with the virtual pageant it’s still time to have some fun but it’s not the same as the buzz from the audience. Also from a business point of view, putting in an event costs money. By selling tickets etc it helps to fund the prizes and the venue etc, without a live audience it’s much harder to offer the same packages for the winners.

Title – Miss Teen Galaxy 20/21 Name – Ruby Hill Age – 17

U.K. hand over was before the lockdown due to COVID19

International handover should have been July 2020 but will now be August 2021.

So you will be the longest reigning queen in your system, how does that make you feel ?

I am honoured to be the international title holder for another year, especially as i have missed so many opportunities this year. Winning Miss Teen Galaxy UK was my dream come true, winning at internationals was beyond my wildest dreams and now I get to do it for another year.

Do you feel it’s fair having you reign extended as you weren’t able to fulfil your duties during your year fully due to the lockdown being enforced ?

Yes, I understand its frustrating that newly crowned queen’s have to wait another year, but I would have been sad to have only 6 months with my international title. I think Maria made the correct decision for everyone.

Do you think that pageants will recover from this ?

Pageant girls and directors are very resilient, our hard work and determination will ensure we get through this.

Will you continue to proactively promote your system during your extended reign ?

Of course, I like to be a very visible Queen, people are probably sick of seeing me at every event and all over social media. I am proud to be a Galaxy girl and will continue to shout it from the rooftops.

Some contestants will have to change age groups or might not be able to compete in there planned pageant, what’s your advice to them ?

If you are changing age categories make sure you do your research, judges may have different expectations of an older age group.

What’s you advice to regional finalists, how best should they use this time now they have also had there reign extended ?

Use the time to reach out to other contestants and title holders, research the pageant and charities they are associated with. Practise, everyone has practise their stage walks with a scarf tucked into their leggings and books balanced on their head…….. or is that just me lol

Young European International Teen Miss Brooke Thompson Age 15

Handover is on the 8th of November Internationals were originally on the 18-21st June but now we have decided to go next year!

So you will be the longest reigning queen in your system, how does that make you feel ?

Amazing! I get to spend more time with a system I love and people I love! I started off at YEMI and to be able to be given the first ever Teen United Kingdom title is an honour!

Do you feel it’s fair having you reign extended as you weren’t able to fulfil your duties during your year fully due to the lockdown being enforced ?

Whether my reign was extended or not I would of been happy with the time I did have as a European queen, I made memories I’ll cherish forever and friends for life! But obviously I’m very happy my reign is being extended as I love the system! And I still get to experience internationals!

Do you think that pageants will recover from this ?

100%! The pageant community is so close and I’m sure everyone will do whatever they can to support people getting back from Covid-19! Obviously people will be cautious at first but that’s expected, as soon as the initial fright has gone, pageant land will get back to normal! I know for me I cannot wait to get back into pageant land!

Will you continue to proactively promote your system during your extended reign ?

10000%! Yemi will always be a system I love and will support forever! During our reign as finalists and queens they have supported us so so much! I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Yemi!

Some contestants will have to change age groups or might not be able to compete in there planned pageant, what’s your advice to them ?

There’s always next year! You shouldn’t let anything get in the way of your dreams. That system isn’t going nowhere! As for moving up an age group, it seems scary at first but it’s absolutely fine! I previously moved up from a junior Miss to a teen! Everyone was so lovely, it took my mind off the fact I’d even changed a whole new age group! As long as you have fun, it doesn’t even enter your mind!

What’s you advice to regional finalists, how best should they use this time now they have also had there reign extended ?

Prepare and Practice! This is the PERFECT opportunity to get prepared for your pageant finals; Practice your walk, practice interview, prepare your outfits!!! YEMI is still going ahead in November so for YEMI girls this is a very very very good opportunity to get everything sorted and get yourself physically and mentally prepared! But if your regional title has been extended still Practice and Prepare! You can never be too prepared!

Do you think the idea of having virtual heats or finals is a good idea I know this has already happened in some systems ?

I think it’s a good idea under the circumstances and if there is no other option. But I know most directors will try to run physically finals! Although the idea of a virtual final is cute!