Miss World Organization congratulates Catriona Gray for winning Miss Universe 2018

FILE: “Hello WORLD! Today is the first day of a wonderful journey. It’s hard to say exactly how I’m feeling, but I hope that in my victory you’ll see more than just a crown and a title – I hope you’ll see a woman who is working for the betterment of others.” (Photo: @catriona_gray/Instagram)

Twenty-four-year-old Catriona Gray was crowned the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe titleholder last Monday, December 17 in Bangkok, Thailand, which shows a story of determination admired by many. Catriona is initially known for representing the Philippines in Miss World 2016 held in Washington D.C., where she finished within the Top 5. However, the Miss World Organization did not shy away from congratulating their previous candidate.

In a post shared almost immediately after Catriona’s win, the Miss World Organization bids a “Well done!” to Catriona, saying, “Congratulations from all of us at Miss World to Catriona Gray on being elected Miss Universe 2018!” They also reminisce, “Catriona was a Miss World Top 5 finalist and Beauty with a Purpose Winner in Miss World 2016, and we are delighted to see her win the Miss Universe crown!

Catriona’s brilliant Smokey Mountain Beauty with a Purpose project captured all our hearts as it revealed her dedicated vision to support the most vulnerable in our society.” In a message to the Miss Universe Organization, the Miss World Organization led by British businesswoman Julia Morley concludes, “You have a great winner!”

Many netizens were quite to reply to the post, believing that Catriona was “robbed” of the international title and that “justice is served on a gold platter,” as one comment states. Another user wrote, “Miss Universe see her worth as a true queen which, unfortunately, Miss World failed to see.“ “The WORLD rejected Catriona because she’s destined to conquer the UNIVERSE!” another profile shares.

However, after Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Del Valle reigned victorious for Miss World 2016, Catriona during the time, remained optimistic sharing to her fans that the pageant “was never just a beauty contest to [her].” In Catriona’s words, “The crown represented a journey, one that grew from being an independent endeavor to one that became more than me. A journey that rallied the support and love of my countrymen.

A journey that forced me to look into myself and discover what I was made of. A journey that found its heart in the children in one of the poorest slums of my country. Yes, the crown represented a journey…until I realized that the journey could continue and exist without it.”

Now, the entire country is celebrating Catriona’s victory winning the top title for the longest-running pageant in the world. Wearing the Miss Universe crown, she states, “Philippines, what an amazing honor it has been to carry your name across my chest and to embody you in all aspects.”