Bolivian beauty queen loses pageant titles after falling pregnant

A Bolivian beauty queen has lost her most recent pageant crowns after falling pregnant.

Joyce Prado, 22, represented her country at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand last year, having been named Miss Bolivia in June.

The model had also been named 2018's Miss Santa Cruz in March.

As reported by Yahoo, the modelling agency Prado is signed to, Promociones Gloria, announced on Facebook last week that these titles had been dismissed due to 'breach of contract'.

The Bolivian agency, which also organises the Miss Bolivia and Miss Santa Cruz pageants, did not specify the nature of that breach for confidentiality reasons.

However, media outlets have suggested it is related to the personal news Prado shared in the wake of her agency's announcement.

In an Instagram post, the model revealed she is expecting her first child with partner Rodrigo Giménez, telling fans she is "the happiest woman in the world."

The Miss Universe website states contestants must not be "married or pregnant" when they take part in the pageant.

"They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to, or parented a child," the official website states.

"The titleholders are also required to remain unmarried throughout their reign."

Promociones Gloria has since confirmed Prado will remain in its ranks as a model, as she has a five-year contract.

In a statement provided to website INSIDER, a spokesperson added that it was "agreed" between Prado and the agency that she would focus on her pregnancy.