Interview with Edith Marshall, Ms. Senior United Kingdom Universe 2024: Reclaiming Grace and Glamour in Senior Pageantry

In the world of pageantry, where youth and glamour have traditionally reigned supreme, Edith Marshall, the reigning Ms. Senior United Kingdom Universe 2024, is turning heads and defying expectations. At 65, Edith isn’t just walking runways and collecting crowns—she’s rewriting the script for women of a certain age, proving that beauty, grace, and confidence are not bound by time. I sat down with Edith during her stunning debut at Paris Fashion Week to discuss her journey, her philosophy, and what she hopes her participation will mean for women everywhere.

A New Chapter in an Unexpected World

"I've only been in pageantry for a year," Edith begins with a smile, adjusting her crown with a kind of regal ease that betrays her humble roots. "It’s a whole new world that’s opened up to me. I never modeled when I was young, never thought I'd be walking a runway in Paris! But here I am, and it’s been beyond anything I imagined."

Edith's background in engineering and electronics is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the pageant world. She worked for Motorola in Arizona and later, at Lockheed Missiles and Space, playing a role in critical projects like the Hubble Telescope. Her sharp attention to detail, honed over years working with silicon chips and military satellites, has been a surprising asset in her new endeavor. "Detail-oriented? Oh, absolutely. I was always the one making sure every wire was connected under the microscope. In pageantry, I apply the same focus," she explains.

For Edith, numbers are more than just tools of her trade—they hold a kind of mystical significance. "I see numbers differently. When I look at a date, I add the day, the month, and the year, and if it’s a prime number, then it’s good luck. It’s like I have some Chinese influence in me, with how much I care about numerology," she says with a chuckle. This blend of practicality and spiritual introspection seems to be a hallmark of her personality.

Finding Her Confidence and Embracing Spontaneity

Edith is also refreshingly candid about her journey toward self-confidence. "Three years ago, I said, ‘That's it. I’m done living by everyone else’s rules. I’m going to be me.’ And I haven’t looked back since." This spirit of self-assertion carries through in her participation in pageantry. "I want every single woman over 60 to look at me and say, ‘Dang, I want to do what she’s doing.’ And I’ll look at them and say, ‘Come on, sister, I’m going to show you how it’s done.’"

Her confidence shines through in her spontaneity—a quality she embraces, despite the occasional slip-ups. "I’m very spontaneous, and that sometimes gets me into trouble, especially verbally," she admits with a laugh. "But you know, life’s too short. You’re not getting out of it alive. I just let things roll off my back and take them on later when the time is right."

It’s this philosophy that Edith hopes to pass on to other women, particularly during her time at Paris Fashion Week. "Being in this magnificent environment, I’ve tried to bring harmony among the women I’m with. I want us to live in the moment, to truly soak in this once-in-a-lifetime experience," she says. "It’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of fashion, but I try to step back, observe, and say, ‘Look where you are. Take it all in.’"

Paris Fashion Week: A New Stage for Queens

As a participant and observer in Paris Fashion Week, Edith is electrified by the energy surrounding her. "I couldn’t wait to meet the designers," she gushes. "I watch all these shows on Bravo, and it’s always, ‘What are you wearing?’ Well, now I’m wearing these incredible designs and walking this iconic runway!"

Her favorite moment came when she was asked to wear a piece by Szonja Dudik and Izabela - Atelier de Couture, two designers she had admired from afar. "At first, I thought the dress looked like something my grandma would wear, but Szonja told me it was a precious pattern to her. And you know what? She was right. When I put it on, I felt like Miss United Kingdom. I did a little curtsy on the runway, and it was magical."

Beyond the surface glamour, Edith has found herself studying the models, soaking in the details of their movements and the designs they showcase. "I paid attention. I really studied these girls. More than getting my makeup done or my hair styled, I was excited to see how they walked, how the energy in the room shifted as they moved. It was such an exhilarating experience."

Pageantry With a Purpose: Empowering Veterans and Women

For Edith, the glitz and glamour of pageantry are only part of her mission. She sees her platform as an opportunity to give back—specifically to veterans, a group she feels deeply connected to. "When I committed myself to pageantry, I asked, ‘What is my purpose?’ And I received this energy telling me to work with veterans. I want to go into hospitals, show them my smile, show them my grace, and let them know that we honor them for their service."

Her passion for supporting veterans isn’t just a fleeting cause—it’s part of a broader vision she has for what pageantry can achieve. "I want to let them know they’re still special, that people still care. And pageantry has given me the confidence to do that. It’s given me a voice, a platform to help others."

At the same time, Edith’s presence in Paris Fashion Week serves as a beacon for women over 60. "After last night, I think we’ve made quite an impression on the world," she says proudly. "We have grace, we have style, and we have energy. We want to show that life doesn’t end at 60. In fact, it’s just beginning."

A Future as Bright as Her Crown

Edith Marshall is on a mission, not just for herself but for all women who have ever felt limited by age or circumstance. Whether she’s dazzling on the runway, speaking to veterans, or hosting senior proms in her tiny hometown, Edith is proving that there is no expiration date on ambition, confidence, or joy.

"I feel special now. And I want to take that feeling with me wherever I go," she says, eyes sparkling beneath the lights of Paris. "If I can inspire even one woman to feel the same, then I’ve done my job."