Harborough teenager makes it to final of Miss England competition
A 16-year-old from Harborough has reached the final of Miss England after winning the competition’s ethical fashion round.
Pearl Sanders-Ellis is the youngest contestant to reach the final stage of the 2026 event.
The A Level student, who lives near Little Bowden, made it through several rounds - including a bare-face challenge and a video showcasing her hometown.
After the semi-final held in Melton, she was announced as a finalist.
Pearl explained: “I genuinely can’t believe I’m a finalist, so I’m so shocked.”
For Pearl, wearing sustainable clothing has been important as she has progressed through the competition.
She said: “All my outfits so far have been reused, reworn, pre-loved stuff. So I haven’t bought anything brand new.
“I’m trying to keep that ethical, not just through the rounds that I’m doing, and all the dresses I’m getting for the final are obviously reworn or pre-loved.”
The judges were so impressed with her commitment to sustainability that she won the ethical fashion round of the pageant.
The Miss England final will be held at the Athena in Leicester on November 17.
The final will see contestants compete in more rounds before the top 12 are announced and the winner is crowned.
Pearl said: “[My 17th birthday is] the day before, which would be an amazing birthday present.”
She hopes the competition can change the perception of pageants.
She said: “It’s nice to kind of help people understand that it's not just a pretty face and stuff like that.
“I’ve made so many friends, and everyone’s so lovely and welcoming.”
The Harborough girl is encouraging other young women to get involved in pageants:
“Genuinely, just get stuck in and give it a go because you never know what will actually happen.”
Pearl is also looking for a business to sponsor her - as she prepares for the final. Any businesses interested in sponsoring Pearl can email her mum, Scarlet, at [email protected].