Miss Universe has crowned its new queen, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua passed on the crown to Theilvig during the coronation night of the 73rd edition of the pageant held in Mexico on Sunday.
Victoria wowed during the competition and shined during the final question and answer portion when the Top 5 finalists were asked: “Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What do you want to say to the ones watching you now?”
The European beauty answered: “My message to all the world that is watching out there is: “No matter where you come from, no matter your past. You can always choose to turn it into your strengths. It will never define who you are, you just got to keep fighting.
“I stand here today, because I want to change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight! So never give up! Always believe in yourself and your dreams, and that is exactly what you’re going to do.”
Here are five things to know about our Miss Universe 2024.
1. She is the first Danish candidate to become Miss Universe
Born Victoria Kjaer Theilvig in 2004 in Soborg, Denmark, the 21-year-old is the first ever Miss Universe titleholder from her country.
She is also the first Danish candidate who reached the Top 5 of the pageant following Aino Korva who finished first runner up in 1963.
2. A pageant veteran
Theilvig is no stranger to beauty pageants. Her pageant journey can trace its roots back in 2021 when she competed in Miss Danmark and finished as the second runner-up.
In 2022, she represented her country in the Miss Grand International pageant in Bangkok, Thailand and finished in the Top 20.
3. An animal protection advocate
A fur mom, Theilvig is all for animal welfare. In her Voice of Change video for the Miss Universe 2024, the European beauty queen advocated for animal protection.
“By advocating for animal protection, we not only highlight the importance of kindness but we also showcase the beauty of our shared humanity,” she said.
4. A professional dancer
Aside from being a beauty queen, Theilvig is a former professional dancer. She has competed in local and international dancing competitions such as the European Championships and the World Championships in the past.
5. An entrepreneur and aspiring lawyer
Theilvig earned her bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from Lyngby Handelsgymnasium in Kongens Lyngby. She is also a beauty entrepreneur and an aspiring lawyer.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
