Miss Universe Great Britain has crowned its first black winner since the pageant began in 1952.
Dee-Ann Rogers made history when she received the accolade on Saturday; she will go on to represent the UK at the International Miss Universe competition, once-owned by Donald Trump, which will take place in December in the Philippines.
The 25-year-old hails from Anguilla, a British territory in the Caribbean, and competed against 40 women from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and British overseas territories to win the prestigious title.
“The adrenaline from winning hasn’t died down yet,” Rogers tells The Independent.
On being the first black woman to win the pageant, she added that it “hasn’t properly hit” her yet and she suspects it won’t until she returns home to Anguilla.
“I am extremely proud of myself for this achievement,” she continues, “especially in this post-Brexit and Windrush period.”
In addition to studying to be a barrister, she finished her final bar exam at the University of Birmingham in June, Rogers is also a competitive heptathlete and has competed at the Commonwealth Games on two occasions.
However, she was forced to cease her athletic training after sustaining a knee injury.
While beauty pageants are frequently criticised for their lack of diversity, Rogers believes her win reflects a long-awaited change in the industry.
“I absolutely believe that diversity is increasing in pageantry and there are many examples around the world,” she says.
“Beauty standards are changing and it is an exciting time for all women of all backgrounds.”
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