Dragon Interview: Sophie King – Miss Surrey

Published on: 24 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 24 Aug, 2016

You might have thought that the age of beauty pageants (not called “contests” these days, as we learn) was long gone. But not so as Sophie King, the current Miss Surrey, hoping to become Miss GB, explains… Interview conducted by Martin Giles.

Miss Surrey – Sophie King

Why did you decide to enter the Miss Surrey competition? Are you a born and bred Surrey girl?

I decided to compete in pageants quite late; at 27 I am at the age limit for the competition. I came close to loosing my life to meningitis last year and since then I have decided to just go for things that before I probably would have put-off or given up on. I’m originally from Lytham in Lancashire but moved down south after university.

What form does the pageant take and how many contestants were there?

There have been hundreds, maybe thousands of contestants across the UK. Each girl competes in their local regional heat, the winners of which get together on 23rd September to compete for Miss GB.

Where and when was it held? Had you entered similar competitions before?

The competition was held six months ago. There were lots of interviews and written questions we had to answer. They are looking to understand who you are as a person, what motivates you and what you would do with the title of you won.

What does winning the Miss Surrey title mean to you? What challenges have you had to overcome?

Winning means everything to me. I am a naturally competitive person and to me winning is the reward I get for putting my all into something and for being the best version of myself I can be. It requires a lot of self confidence and you have to challenge yourself to believe in and respect yourself and what you are capable of.

Sophie  judging the Oxted Dog Show

What are your duties as Miss Surrey?

There are no official duties, I think the idea is that you are given the title to use as a platform to do with what you want. I have decided to use it as a means to meet and support local community organisations and to raise money for my charity Make Some Noise.

What are your favourite places in Surrey and why?

I love driving down the tree lined roads. It reminds me that this all used to be forest and that our towns and infrastructure have only been here a short while compared to the nature around us.

By winning you have qualified for the Miss GB competition. What does that involve?

This will be a two day event held at the Leicester Arena in late September. There will be interviews as well as a live final where we will have fashion, swimming costume and evening gown rounds, followed by live Q&As on stage.

There is a stereotypical view of those that go in for beauty pageant type competitions. Is it fair? Is there a stereotype in your view?

I think we all know that stereotypes tend to be inaccurate. What surprised me the most is the idea that the competition is about objectifying women. On the contrary, it is the most girly thing I have ever done and is all about women supporting other women. Of course it is not for everyone, but what is? I’ve got so much out of being Miss Surrey and met so many people and had opportunities I wouldn’t have had without it. It is so empowering!

Do you think there is a future for such competitions in the 21st century, with all the moves towards gender equality?

Yes of course, the pageant industry is actually growing. I think feminism has moved past the view that women need to behave in a masculine way to be successful. For example in the style of Margaret Thatcher. Instead we are recognising that it is okay to be feminine and girly, and that that has a value in itself. I think society still has a male view of what being successful is and what being strong is, but maybe we will change this bit by bit.

What good do these competitions do?

So far I have raised thousands of pounds for charity, raised awareness of many local community groups and initiatives. I’ve also made my family proud and myself proud. I feel more empowered and confident than ever. I would encourage anyone to go for it next year, it’s a fantastic experience.

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