10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Helena Hawke from Caerleon crowned Miss Wales 2025
Helena Hawke, from Caerleon, was named Miss Wales on Saturday, May 3 at The Riverfront in Newport.
Helena, who is currently undertaking her training as a nurse, has deep military roots in her family and hopes to join the Royal Air Force after her studies.
In order to get an early taste of life in the force, she joined the RAF Air Cadets at the age of 14.
Helena Hawke is an air force cadet (Image: Miss Wales) One of her most cherished memories was flying a plane before driving a car.
However, she couldn't ignore the evident gender imbalance as, for a period, she was the only young woman present during parade nights.
She then decided to organise her first open evening two years ago, specifically encouraging female cadets to enrol.
Annual open evenings have been held since, and she is proud to state that more female than male cadets are now enrolled in her squadron.
Helena has helped to organise open evenings encouraging female cadets to join (Image: Miss Wales)
Helena is currently a Civilian Commissioned Officer at 1367 Caerleon Squadron, where she teaches cadets radio comms, flight simulation, and her speciality, the glockenspiel in the marching band.
She stated her intention to implement a speaking tour called 'Hawke's Horizons' during her year as Miss Wales, focused on encouraging girls to join the cadets to acquire essential life skills and to consider a military career.
In addition to her nursing studies and duties at the squadron, Helena also volunteers at her local sports club, coaching children in cricket.
Helena Hawke has been crowned Miss Wales 2025 (Image: Miss Wales)
She is also a passionate cricket and hockey player.
Helena said: "Being Miss Wales has been a goal of mine for so many years.
"I've always looked up to former winners and been inspired by how they carry themselves.
"Now the role is mine, I'm going to work really hard to maintain the legacy.
"Having the title of Miss Wales is an honour – and I want to do it correctly."
Helena has said being crowned Miss Wales is 'an honour' (Image: Miss Wales)
The Miss Wales grand final featured 29 contestants from all corners of Wales, welcomed by a supportive crowd.
The winners were selected after three key performances: the patriotic Welsh wear opener, a red dress catwalk, and the traditional evening wear parade, along with one-to-one interviews with a panel of six judges.
Apart from these, the contestants participated in a Miss Wales Empowerment Day to help in their personal development and leadership skills.
They attended a Miss Wales Charity Ball where awards were given to those who had excelled during their Miss Wales journey.
Helena with the other finalists, Ellie Corcoran from Anglesey (left) and Romilly Evans-Powell from Risca (right) (Image: Miss Wales)
Helena and the other finalists had been tasked with fundraising for 'Beauty With A Purpose,' a Miss World charity which assists disadvantaged children across the globe, and offering their support to A-Sisterhood, which aids and protects women both in the UK and overseas.
Following her crowning, Helena will combine her studies with her duties as Miss Wales, and will also represent Wales at Miss World next year.
The runners-up on Saturday night were Ellie Corcoran from Anglesey, who came second, and Romilly-Evans Powell from Risca who took third place.
