Durbanville model wins global pageant

Durbanville’s model Bianca Edwards was crowned the 2025 Royal International Miss in Florida on Saturday, July 12.

She was selected to represent South Africa on the international stage in February.

Over 190 women from all over the world gathered for a week of pageantry at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, in Florida, from Sunday, July 6 until Sunday, July 13.

Ms Edwards beat more than 30 contestants from around the world to win the crown

This international competition consisted of personal interview, onstage personal introduction, fashion wear runway, and evening gown competitions. 

“There were also optional competitions offered for the delegates to display their public speaking skills in the spokesmodel competition and their sense of style and fashion in a variety of runway competitions,” said Sharon Nordquist, the international director of  Royal International Miss. 

The international delegates volunteered a total of over 11,000 hours in their communities in the past year.

“Our newly crowned international queens will be on a year-long journey to promote their titles in their home states and around the world throughout this year. 

Their prize package includes various trips, cash scholarships, photo shoots, appearance opportunities, and much,h much more,” said Sharon Nordquist, an international director of the pageant. “It was truly the experience of a lifetime,” Ms Nordquist stated.

There were winners in 14 categories, which also included International Role Model Princess, International Princess, and International Teen, among others.

Ms Edwards said, “This has been a moment I have waited a lifetime for. This has been a dream for me, to carry my country and be the first South African woman to ever compete in this category and go on to win it, making history as the first South African woman.

She is the director of Ace Models Durbanville and international head scout and trainer for Topco Models.

Through her modelling academy and youth development programme, she helps young girls develop confidence and thrive in all aspects of life.