A Royal Guard and serving British soldier has been crowned the new Mr. England.
Manuel Alcántara Turner, who attended the coronation of King Charles III and the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, now has the chance to become the next Mr. World.
The 22-year-old beat 12 other competitors to take the title at The City Rooms in Leicester last night after being eliminated from a field of more than 150 entrants.
Manuel, based in Windsor, Berkshire, joined the army at 16 and said it turned him “from a boy into a man”.
He said: “It’s an absolute honour to win this. I will represent my country well and I hope to make everyone proud.”
Manuel Alcantara Turner beat 12 other competitors to take the title at The City Rooms in Leicester last night
‘I have been stationed in Windsor with the British Army since I was 16, but I am originally from Newcastle.
Since joining the Royal Guard, I have been in charge of ceremonial duties for the King’s coronation and the Queen’s funeral, as well as the Queen’s last birthday parade.
“In terms of military service, I have been stationed twice in Kenya and have been training Ukrainians.”
Manuel, originally from Whitley Bay, Tyneside, smiled for the cameras as he sported his Mr England sash and trophy.
He can be seen in one snapshot wearing his scarlet Kingsguard uniform complete with bearskin cap.
‘This is my first time doing something like this, so I was pretty nervous, but I think I’m a pretty charismatic guy.
‘I know my job would appreciate it and I checked with them just in case so that work time is not a problem (for the Mr. World contest).
As for my ambitions, my ambition is to serve my country. That has always been my ambition and always will be.
Manuel said his ambition is to “serve my country” and added that it has always been a dream of his.
Manuel Alcántara Turner smiled for the cameras as he sported his Mister England sash and trophy
Manuel Alcántara Turner said joining the Army at 16 turned him “from a boy into a man”
Manuel is pictured holding a tropical fruit in his army uniform. He joined the armed forces at just 16 years old.
The 22-year-old faced off against more than 150 competitors before being crowned Mr. England.
The soldier can be seen in the snapshot wearing his full scarlet Royal Guard uniform, complete with bearskin cap.
Manuel will now represent England in the upcoming Mr. World final and is pictured with a cheetah.
“All I want to do is give my life for England, so I think that’s pretty much what Mr. England deserves.”
Manuel competed in an interview, fashion shoot and a catwalk round, which was hosted by reigning Miss England Milla Magee.
The lifeguard, dubbed the “Pamela Anderson of Cornwall”, had gone to her local beach in search of contestants after the contest suffered a “shortage of hunks” at the start.
Manuel will now represent England at the upcoming Mr. World final in Vietnam in November.