R’Bonney Gabriel Miss Universe
R’Bonney Gabriel has reportedly given up her Miss Universe crown. Image via Instagram @rbonney_gabriel

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R’Bonney Gabriel: Meet the reigning Miss Universe

Here’s what we know about reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel before she crowns her successor on Saturday.

17-11-23 10:50
R’Bonney Gabriel Miss Universe
R’Bonney Gabriel has reportedly given up her Miss Universe crown. Image via Instagram @rbonney_gabriel

On 15 January USA’s R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Here’s what we know about the beauty queen who will pass her crown down to her successor on Saturday 18 November.

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R’BONNEY GABRIEL VISITED SOUTH AFRICA IN AUGUST 

In January this year, India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned her successor, R’Bonney Gabriel of the US, Miss Universe in New Orleans.

Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel was crowned the runner-up and Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez second runner-up. Miss SA 2022 Ndavi Nokeri represented Mzansi at the pageant and made it to the top 16. Miss SA runner up Bryoni Govender is representing South Africa at Miss Universe this year.

Gabriel flew down to South Africa in August this year for the Miss SA pageant held at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria. In an exclusive interview with The South African, the beauty queen said that she enjoyed her time in South Africa.

Gabriel will hand her crown down to her successor on Saturday 18 November in El Salvador at the 72nd annual pageant. So, what do we know about the reigning Miss Universe?

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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT R’BONNEY GABRIEL 

1. SHE IS 28 YEARS OLD 

R’Bonney is 28 years old. This is the oldest age allowed to compete in the pageant.

2. R’BONNEY HAS FILIPINO ROOTS 

According to Marca, Miss Universe’s father Remigio Bonzon ‘R. Bon’ Gabriel who came to the USA to study. He married her mom, Dana Walker – a US citizen. She is the first woman of Filipino descent to win the Miss Universe title.

3. SHE WAS BORN IN TEXAS

The 28-year-old was born in San Antonio, Texas.

4. R’BONNEY’S FATHER CAME TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The beauty queen’s father went to the US to study psychology at the University of Southern California. He later went on to earn a PHD in psychology from the University of Houston.

5. SHE IS A FASHION DESIGNER 

R’Bonney is a fashion designer  by profession. She holds a degree in Fashion Design and graduated in 2018.

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