Meet the Chorley beauty queen related to Princess Diana set to compete in the Pageant World Final in Poland
A Chorley beauty queen who is related to Princess Diana is to represent the UK at the Pageant World Final in Poland.
Niamh Taylor, 27, who was the first autistic winner of a Beauty Pageant in the UK, has been crowned the United Kingdom’s representative for Miss Supranational and will travel to Poland this July to compete in the prestigious world final.
Her victory marks the culmination of an extraordinary four-year journey defined by resilience, determination, and unwavering belief.
Competing in the same national competition year after year, she placed seventh, then third, then second before finally claiming the crown.
Each year, she applauded and supported the winner, confident that her moment would come.
Her perseverance stands as a powerful testament to her character and commitment. She says Miss Supranational aligns perfectly with her values as they look for aspirational and inspirational women.
Personal challenges
Her journey is even more inspiring given the personal challenges she has overcome.
Niamh experienced selective mutism until her mid 20s, a severe anxiety disorder that made speaking in certain social situations extremely difficult.
Today, she credits taking part in pageantry with helping her find her voice.
She said: “Pageantry gave me the confidence to speak, to be seen, and to believe in myself. It changed my life.”
Niamh is also the first winner of a UK Pageant title who is autistic. During the competition, she chose not to disclose this to the judges, determined to succeed on her own merit rather than risk receiving what she describes as a “sympathy vote.”
Now crowned, she proudly shares her diagnosis in the hope of inspiring other neurodivergent individuals to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
Niamh added: “I want others who think they don’t fit the mould to know that they absolutely belong.
“Being different is powerful.”
Beyond the stage, Niamh dedicates her time each week to supporting the charity Little Lady Locks, which helps children experiencing hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia, cancer, and other medical circumstances.
The organisation collects donated hair including good quality extensions to create wigs for children in need.
Niamh has been actively involved in stripping wallpaper at the charity’s new premises, organising and brushing hair collections, and raising awareness for the cause. At the national final, she was also honoured with a special award recognising her outstanding work with the charity.
She wants to use her title to take this charity to other country and encourage more people to donate hair or funds.
Princess Diana
And she’s not the only Royal in the family. Niamh's mum Donna, 59, made the exciting discovery that they were related to Princess Diana after searching on an online genealogy site.
According to the search, the pair are both related to the Princess of Wales' 13th great grandmother, as well as 15th great grandfather.
Niamh said: “My mum was interested in finding out her ancestry and wanted to log it while she still knew a few generations prior.
“We are related to both Princess Diana’s 13th great grandma and 15th great grandad too."
This is why “Little lady locks” is so close to her heart and she’s always championed them rather then sharing her own personal story.