Kaiane Aldorino

Biography

Kaiane Loise Aldorino Lopez, GMH (née Aldorino; born 8 July 1986) is a Gibraltarian beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss World 2009 and former mayor. From 2017 to 2019, she held the ceremonial position of Mayor of Gibraltar, after previously serving as Deputy Mayor since 2014. Aldorino previously was a beauty pageant titleholder, being crowned Miss Gibraltar 2009, and later winning Miss World 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was the first Gibraltarian woman ever to reach the semi-finals of a major international pageant, and is the only to ever win one, as well.

== Early life and career ==

Aldorino was born and raised in Gibraltar. Before becoming Miss Gibraltar 2009, she had been working as a human resources clerk at St Bernard's Hospital for five years. Aldorino was raised bilingually, speaking both English and Spanish, like most Gibraltarians. Aldorino began dancing at the age of 14 with Urban Dance Group. She participated at the 2008 International Dance Organization World Showdance Championships, in Riesa, Germany, where she represented Gibraltar in the Formation category as part of the Gibraltar National Dance Team. They placed 17th, and made history by being the first Gibraltarian formation team to pass the first round. Aldorino married fellow Gibraltarian Aaron Lopez in June 2015. They have one daughter, born in 2016.

== Pageants ==

=== Miss Gibraltar 2009 === On 27 June 2009, Aldorino was crowned Miss Gibraltar 2009, succeeding Krystle Robba at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.

=== Miss World 2009 ===

Aldorino made history on 12 December 2009, by becoming the first ever Miss Gibraltar to be crowned Miss World. She was also the first Gibraltarian contestant to have reached the semi-finals of one of the major international pageants after receiving the title of Miss World Beach Beauty. Shortly after Aldorino was crowned by her predecessor, Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia, Gibraltar burst into celebration as many Gibraltarians took to the streets. Supporters waved the flag of Gibraltar, chanted as cars honked their horns, and fireworks were set off. Chief Minister of Gibraltar Peter Caruana hailed her win as a "wonderful achievement for her and for Gibraltar" and promised a "homecoming fit for a queen". In 2010, she was guest judge in the final Mister World 2010 beauty pageant in Incheon, South Korea. During her reign, Lopez travelled to over 40 countries. Some of these countries include: United Arab Emirates, Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Canada, United States, Spain, Germany, Korea, Italy, Indonesia, South Africa, Ireland, and China.

==== Homecoming ==== On 15 December 2009, HM Government of Gibraltar announced Aldorino would be flown into Gibraltar from London on a private jet the following afternoon. On 16 December 2009, the government issued a press release in which it detailed the events that would take place upon Aldorino's arrival. These included a public greeting at Gibraltar Airport, a parade through Main Street where Aldorino would ride in the same convertible car as Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles during their honeymoon visit to Gibraltar. On 17 December 2009, Aldorino paraded down Main Street preceded by the band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, and then appeared at the City Hall balcony. This was followed by a press conference and reception at the Rock Hotel. The celebrations culminated with a fireworks display from Gibraltar Harbour. The Government also requested all businesses in Gibraltar who were reasonably able to do so to close between 4 pm and 6 pm on this day to allow their staff to take part in the welcoming celebrations.