Cover Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig wears her Jewelmer crown (Photo: Getty Images)
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig wears her Jewelmer crown (Photo: Getty Images)
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Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig says she has only good things to say about the Philippines. Read our interview below
The newly-crowned Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig greeted the press at a penthouse in Makati, wearing a striking Jewelmer brooch and a sleek ponytail. She welcomed everyone with grace, making a genuine effort to remember names despite the overwhelming attention. In the brief time we spent together, it was evident that she is a charming, well-spoken, and gracious lady.
As of this post, the beauty queen has been in the Philippines for three days, having just arrived after her flight from India. “The Miss Universe experience has been so amazing,” she tells the press. “I have been travelling all over the world, meeting so many inspiring people every day. I think this has been an amazing learning experience, and I really take [time] every day to learn new cultures.”
In case you missed it: 5 Things to know about Chelsea Manalo, the new Miss Universe Philippines
Above Kjaer Thelvi is Miss Universe 2024 (Photo: Getty Images)
Kjaer Thelvi is Miss Universe 2024 (Photo: Getty Images)
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Most of her itinerary has been kept under wraps, but the beauty queen is excited to try some local cuisines, including Sinigang. She also shared that she is particularly looking forward to her trip to Palawan, where she plans to immerse herself in the local communities.
“I only have nice things to say about the Filipinos,” she assures. “They are so humble, respectful, and sweet. I have only been here for three days, and I have more days to try local food like the sinigang soup. I am also eager about my upcoming visit to Palawan, where I can interact with more local communities. Manila is such a big city, and I didn’t get to do that here.”
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Above Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig at the Jewelmer penthouse in Makati (Photo: Jove Moya)
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig at the Jewelmer penthouse in Makati (Photo: Jove Moya)
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I only have nice things to say about the Filipinos. They are so humble, respectful, and sweet.
When asked about the introspections she has had as the first Danish woman to take home the Miss Universe crown, the 21-year-old pageant queen says the experience has been nothing short of transformative.
“Being the first woman from Denmark to win this crown is a historically proud moment for me. I am not only proud of myself but also of my home country. Balancing life as Miss Universe is challenging—it’s a busy schedule with long hours. But at the core, it’s about staying true to who you are and holding onto your beliefs, and that's how I manage to balance everything.”
Thelvig says that the “one concrete item” she wants to take home to remember her reign as Miss Universe is, of course, the crown. “I will take the crown because it represents my victory and achievements and how far I have come in life at a young age.”
Dubbed the Lumière de l'Infini (The Light of Infinity), the Miss Universe 2024 crown was crafted by the French-Filipino jewelry brand, Jewelmer. It features a rare golden South Sea pearl, the national gem of the Philippines.
Related: Binibining Pilipinas 2024 highlights: Miss Universe title holders on one stage, and more
Above Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig’s crown is a Filipino-made masterpiece by Jewelmer, featuring golden South Sea pearls (Photo: Getty Images)
Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig’s crown is a Filipino-made masterpiece by Jewelmer, featuring golden South Sea pearls (Photo: Getty Images)
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A piece of advice she’d like to pass on to anyone aspiring to follow in her footsteps is simple yet powerful: “Keep dreaming big and working hard for your dreams. Dedication and hard work can lead you to great success because I believe everything is achievable, but you have to put in the effort.”
Reflecting on her journey, Thelvig shares, “The unexpected lesson I’ve learned about myself is how calm I can remain in stressful situations. As Miss Universe, my schedule is packed almost every day, yet I’ve learned to take time to absorb new experiences and find inspiration in the people around me.”
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
