Miss Universe Catriona Gray: 'I really feel that I am Miss Philippines' despite Australian claims

The Miss Universe 2018 also reveals in interview what former title-holder Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters whispered as she handed over the crown

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves as she arrives at the Manila International airport. AFP

Catriona Gray is surrounded by fans as she arrives in Manila. AP Photo

Catriona Gray poses for a picture a young fan. AP Photo

Catriona Gray waves as she arrives for a visit in Manila. AP Photo

Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to her supporters as she arrives. AFP

Catriona Grayis presented with flowers during her arrival in Manila. AFP

She took the Miss Universe title while representing the Philippines, but the country is just part of Catriona Gray’s story. The 25-year-old beauty queen grew up in Australia, has a Scottish father and studied in America, so is part of, as she puts it herself, a “cohesion of cultures”.

So when she was crowned Miss Universe 2018 back in December, the excitement spread further than just the Philippines. In fact, there were plenty of people in Australia, where she lived until her late teen years, trying to claim Gray as their own.

But in an interview with US television show Build Series, Gray confirmed she "really feels like Miss Philippines". Talking about whether or not it was strange to compete against Miss Australia Francesca Hung, she said: "I just feel like a Filipina, a Filipino woman, and it just so happens that when I was growing up, I was very much an Australian and I think you can be both.

“I did grow up with those two sides of the world and I just found it funny that there were people saying I was practically Miss Australia like ‘no she’s ours, she’s ours’,” she added. “But I can’t blame them for being excited.”

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The moment Catriona Gray won Miss Universe 2018:

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During the interview, Gray also revealed what the former Miss Universe, South African model Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, whispered to her as she handed over the coveted crown.

“She said it’s a little bit loose so be careful it doesn’t fall off,” she laughed. “It was as practical as that.”

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Read more:

Five things you didn't know about Filipina Miss Universe winner Catriona Gray

From Miss Philippines to Miss Universe: the previous Filipina winners and where they are now

Miss Universe 2018: The two contestants from the Arab world vying for the crown

Pinoy pride: the story behind Miss Philippines’ winning Miss Universe dress

Australian tabloid claims Aussie 'ownership' of Filipina Miss Universe Catriona Gray

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