JPP Historical Photos: August 2, 1999
Penelope Coelen
In 1958, the Miss World Pageant was still in its early years. Its eighth pageant was a great success, attracting 22 contestants from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Europeans dominated the semi-finals with 9 out of 12 places secured by women from the host continent. 5 of the 6 finalists were from Europe as well, but it was a striking young woman from the Republic of South Africa who took home the coveted crown!
Penelope Anne Coelen, or Penny to her friends and fans, was elected Miss World and was the first major international titleholders to come from Africa. The stunning 18-year-old secretary from Durban enraptured the audience with her poise and beauty, and there was one other person she particularly held spellbound: wealthy sugar farmer Michael Rey from Natal province. Penny gained widespread international attention during her reign and received several lucrative modeling offers, yet opted for marriage instead. She remains today a prominent socialite in South Africa and race-horse owner, and is infamous for her incredible pistol shot! Penny swore that she would never go through the terror of competing again, noting that it was "too nerve-racking," yet that being a Miss World contestant and titleholder was "something I would not have liked to miss."
Penny, congratulations on being a most notable Miss World. Here she is, with her sash, crown and (most of) her sceptre.
This photo from the files of JPP.
You can find additional FABULOUS historical pageant photos at Beauty School. Enjoy their wonderful and thought-provoking reports, quizzes and other features as well!
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