Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig on the cover of Metro | Photo by Dookie Ducay

Traveling is part of a Miss Universe queen’s life. Winning the coveted title at the prestigious pageant and making history for her country, Denmark, eventually brought Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig to the Philippines. Her ray-of-sunshine aura matches the energy of the Southeast Asian destination.

She visited Palawan and was in awe of the beautiful island. “Here in the Philippines, the nature, and especially the islands, are so beautiful,” the beauty queen remarked. “Being in the sun, by the water, is something that I really enjoy.” 

So, as a “beach girl,” as she described herself, Victoria expressed her desire to explore more of the Philippines. “I'm super happy to be here,” she told Metro.Style. “Being here really feels like home because the people here are so warm, so humble, and so nice.” 

Side-stripe maxi dress by Victoria Beckham at Univers, sandals by Stuart Weitzman, earrings and bangles both by Sunspell

After traveling to the country for a brand event last March, Victoria found herself in the Philippines again; she was an esteemed guest at Miss Universe Philippines 2025’s coronation night, where Quezon Province’s Ma. Ahtisa Manalo won, crowned by Victoria’s pageant batchmate, Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo. 

“She is just such a sweetheart, and we get along so good. She is really an inspiration for what she stands for, so I'm just really, really glad that I got to meet such a wonderful person as Chelsea,” Victoria said of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 titleholder. 

Meeting people from different walks of life is an opportunity Victoria cherishes during her reign as Miss Universe 2024. “My reign so far is absolutely amazing,” Victoria, the first Dane to win Miss Universe, opened up. “I get to travel all around the world, meeting so many different inspiring people, new cultures, trying new food, and just really get to connect with the local communities. So, for me, it's absolutely amazing, and I'm so honored that I have this job.”

A standout memory for Victoria was visiting the Centro de Cancer de la Mujer in Puerto Rico. “Every day I meet someone new who inspires me,” she said. “But I think one of the moments that really touched me was when I was in Puerto Rico. I went to a women's cancer center, and the women there just really inspired me that no matter what generation you are in, you just have to look at the positive side and just be happy for where you are in life.”

There, this dancer played a role in the women’s healing process, dancing away with them to the Latin rhythm and even ringing the center’s bell of healing. Inspiring positivity despite challenges, Victoria imparted, “There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. That was super inspiring for me to be together with such wonderful, strong women.” 

Sheer floral top and crisp sleeveless top both by Cecilie Bahnsen at Univers, earrings by Sunspell, and shell bag by Aranaz

“Strong” is an adjective she also deeply connects with. When asked what she discovered about herself when she became Miss Universe, Victoria reflected, “I think I kind of knew it before that I'm a really strong person and I am dedicated to what I do. I am disciplined and I work hard, but being Miss Universe 2024 and during my reign just really confirmed that this was true about me.”

Maximizing her strength and story of resilience and optimism, Victoria makes the most of her role and platform as a beauty queen to help champion her own and Miss Universe organization’s causes from sustainability and animal rights to mental health awareness and access to healthcare, education, and well-being for those most in need. 

Her life may be far from perfect, but Victoria refuses to dwell on negativity. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you’ve been through. You have the power to turn your struggles into strengths. Your past does not define you. You are more than your background, more than your challenges. You are a warrior, a fighter, a dreamer. And I’m living proof that you can turn your dreams into reality. So don’t give up, don’t lose faith. Keep pushing forward, keep believing in yourself, and never let anyone tell you that you’re not enough,” she enthused. 

Booked and busy, traveling from one country to another, Victoria keeps herself grounded by taking breathers when she can in the ocean, which she describes as her “happy place,” or at home baking. “I love to bake, and I make the absolute best brownie,” she revealed. Away from the glitz and glam that comes with being a beauty queen, activities like these recenter her core—that no matter how far she’s come, Victoria never forgets to look back on the dreamer she was and appreciate the doer she is today. 

“Right now, all of my focus is, of course, on my reign, but I have a lot of plans after this. I am just eager for life, and I have the whole universe in my hand, so I cannot wait to see what will happen with me after my reign,” she concluded, her blue eyes twinkling, reflecting her sunny disposition and passion for a life well-lived.  

Knit cardigan by Jacquemus at Univers and lace mules by CMG

Photography by Dookie Ducay

Creative direction by Vince Canlapan

Editor-in-chief: Geolette Esguerra

Coordination: Grace Libero-Cruz and Iya Baring

Fashion associate: Carla Buyo

Styling by Edlene Cabral, assisted by Bullet Reyes

Makeup by Mickey See

Hairstyling by Jonas Lucas

Interview by Marian Besin

Videographer: Viel Dungo

Shot on location at Okada Manila

Special thanks to Miss Universe Philippines and Empire Philippines