From bearskin hat to Mr England sash as King's Guard wins beauty pageant

A British Army soldier who took part in Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and the King's coronation has been named as Mr England 2024.

Lance Corporal Manuel Alcantara Turner, 22, of the Coldstream Guards, secured the title after an intense competition in Leicester.

LCpl Turner, who is based at Victoria Barracks near Windsor Castle, is the first soldier to win the prestigious title.

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He competed against 12 other finalists in events including a catwalk section, fashion shoot, and interview, hosted by the reigning Miss England, Milla Magee.

In a post on Instagram, Duchess Nivin ElGamal said: "I am thrilled to have been one of the four judges and to have witnessed Manuel Alcantara Turner's remarkable journey to victory."

"He truly embodies everything we look for in a Mr England – a perfect combination of ambition, responsibility, dignity, and respect.

"From the moment he stepped into the competition, I knew he had the potential to go all the way, and I'm proud to see my predictions come true," Duchess Nivin said.

His service record includes key ceremonial duties for the late Queen and current King, as well as deployments to Kenya and the training of Ukrainian troops.

He will now represent England at the 11th edition of Mr World on 23 November, held in Phan Thiet City in Vietnam.