Categories: Lifestyle

Anneline Kriel: A Journey from Global Stardom to Blissful Serenity

Anneline Kriel is a former beauty queen from South Africa who won the title of Miss World in 1974. After a successful career in acting and modeling, she now resides in Mauritius with her partner and runs a swimwear brand with her daughter. Kriel continues to voice her concerns on issues close to her heart and plans to produce a documentary about her Miss World experience. Her journey from global stardom to blissful serenity is truly inspiring and a testament to her resilience.

Who is Anneline Kriel and where is she now?

Anneline Kriel is a former Miss World from South Africa who won the title in 1974. She had a successful career in acting and modeling and now resides in Mauritius with her partner, where she runs a swimwear brand with her daughter. Kriel continues to voice her concerns on issues close to her heart, and she plans to produce a documentary about her Miss World experience.

The Rise to Fame

Anneline Kriel, a stunning blonde beauty from Pretoria, dazzled the world when she seized the title of Miss World in 1974. This captivating tale of the former wife of renowned hotelier and casino tycoon, Sol Kerzner, is as colorful and intriguing as the lady herself. Kriel is one among the trio of South African women who’ve had the honor of winning this prestigious global title.

The transformative year for Kriel was 1974. She conquered the Miss South Africa beauty contest initially and then became the first princess at the Miss World pageant hosted at the majestic Royal Albert Hall in London. To everyone’s surprise, four days post the pageant, Kriel ascended the Miss World throne after the original winner from Wales, Helen Morgan, got disqualified due to her status as an unwed mother.

Stardom Amidst Controversy

However, Kriel’s sudden fame was not without controversy. Hailing from a nation bound by Apartheid and isolated by international sanctions, Kriel stood at a challenging crossroad. As reported by The Times, both the US and Australia refused to welcome her as part of the customary world tour, and other nations expressed concerns about her safety.

Shielded from the harsh realities back home, Kriel was instructed to keep political matters at bay. She admitted to living a sheltered life under a controlled press and revealed, “I was 19. I was very innocent. When I finally went to America, they asked me on TV if I thought everyone in my country was happy — and I said yes, I did think everyone was happy. Because I did think that.”

Beyond the Crown: Acting, Modelling and More

Beyond the revered title, Kriel paved a successful career in acting and modelling and was fondly christened “South Africa’s Princess Di” by the media. Her grace, confidence, and charm were universally admired and adored.

So, where is Anneline Kriel now?

The ex-beauty queen has swapped the glaring lights of Mzansi for the calming landscapes of Mauritius. Following her separation from Sol Kerzner and Philip Tucker, Kriel discovered love in Peter Backon, the CEO of Sun International. The couple chose the tropical serenity of Mauritius as their abode.

Kriel’s love for fashion inspired her to initiate Laya Swimwear, a swimwear brand she co-runs with her younger daughter. Kriel’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shine through in her business venture.

Interestingly, Kriel nurtures an ambition to produce a documentary about her Miss World experience, intending to highlight her unique and controversial journey in 1974.

Advocate and Entrepreneur: Life after Limelight

Away from the spotlight, Kriel continues to voice out on issues dear to her heart. She has voiced concerns about South Africa’s future, especially considering the country’s current problems of poverty and insecurity. In a conversation with Vrye Weekblad, she confessed, “I fear for South Africa’s future. After almost 30 years of ANC government, there are still so many South Africans living in poverty and insecurity.”

From the glittering world stage to the serene beaches of Mauritius, Anneline Kriel’s journey has been nothing less than extraordinary. The transformation that she underwent, from a naïve beauty queen to a successful entrepreneur and vocal advocate, is genuinely inspiring. Her story stands as a testament of grace under pressure, resilience, and a timeless beauty that transcends beyond the boundaries of a crown.

1. Who is Anneline Kriel?

Anneline Kriel is a former beauty queen from South Africa who won the title of Miss World in 1974. She also had a successful career in acting and modeling and now runs a swimwear brand with her daughter in Mauritius.

2. Where is Anneline Kriel now?

Anneline Kriel currently resides in Mauritius with her partner and runs a swimwear brand with her daughter.

3. What was Anneline Kriel’s rise to fame?

Anneline Kriel won the Miss World title in 1974 after becoming the first princess at the pageant hosted in London. She was the first South African woman to win the title.

4. What controversies did Anneline Kriel face as Miss World?

Anneline Kriel faced controversy due to her being from a country that was bound by Apartheid and isolated by international sanctions. Countries such as the US and Australia refused to welcome her as part of the customary world tour, and other nations expressed concerns about her safety.

5. What has Anneline Kriel done beyond the crown?

After her pageant success, Anneline Kriel went on to have a successful career in acting and modeling, earning her the nickname “South Africa’s Princess Di” by the media. She now runs a swimwear brand and plans to produce a documentary about her Miss World experience.