Cardiff University student nurse crowned Miss Wales 2025

A student nurse sudying at Cardiff University has been crowned Miss Wales 2025.

Helena Hawke, a 20-year-old from Caerleon, beat 28 competitors to win the coveted title.

The Miss Wales competition, founded in the 1950s, is dedicated to empowering young women. Helena is one of many young women to grace the Miss Wales hall of fame.

Speaking to WalesOnline, Helena said it was the “cherry on top” to win: “It’s one of the most empowering spaces I’ve been in and especially when you start the three day final in what’s called the Empowerment Day… I think everyone has their own story and it’s just brilliant to celebrate with each other.”

Alongside her nursing studies, Helena enjoys playing cricket, hockey, and coaching children at her local sports club.

Her family have deep roots in the military, inspiring Helena to join the Royal Air Force after her studies. Helena joined the RAF Air Cadets at just 14; one of her most cherished memories was flying a plane before a car.

Although she enjoyed her time at the squadron, Helena observed that she was regularly the only woman present on parade nights. With this in mind, she held her first open evening two years ago, specifically targeting female cadets to enrol. Open evenings have been held annually since, and she is proud to state that more female than male cadets are now enrolled in her squadron.

Helena is now a Civilian Commissioned officer at 1367 Caerleon Squadron teaching young cadets radio comms, flight stimulation and instruments in the marching band.

During her year as Miss Wales, Helena will be implementing a speaking tour called Hawke’s Horizons, focusing on empowering young girls to join the cadets and consider a military career.

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via Instagram

The Miss Wales 2025 final took place in Cardiff and Newport from May 1st to May 3rd and celebrated the achievements of 29 young women from Wales, accompanied by a supportive audience.

Three key performances determined Helena’s win: A patriotic Welsh wear opener, a red dress catwalk, and a traditional evening wear parade. The contestants also experienced one-on-one interviews with a panel of six judges.

Leading up to the event, participants took part in a Miss Wales Empowerment Day and attended a Charity Ball where awards were given to contestants who have excelled in their journey. Helena and the other finalists had also been tasked with fundraising for Beauty With A Purpose, the Miss World charity, which helps disadvantaged children worldwide.

Helena will now represent Wales at Miss World in 2026, where she will compete with other young women from over 100 countries, alongside completing her studies.

Featured image via Instagram