Childhood & Early Life
Kaiane Aldorino Lopez was born on July 8, 1986, in Gibraltar. There is not much information available about the family, early life and childhood of this stunning beauty except the fact that she started dancing at an early age.
She became a dancer of the Urban Dance Group at 14 years of age and travelled places in Gibraltar and Spain for performances. She took training in contemporary, modern, commercial and hip-hop dance styles.
One of the notable performances in her dancing career was representing Gibraltar as part of Gibraltar National Dance Team during Formation category of the International Dance Organisation World Showdance Championships in 2008 that was held in Riesa, Germany. That year Gibraltar made history by clearing the first round in the Formation category for the first time, securing 17th place.
A fitness enthusiast, Kaiane loves to play netball and enjoys working out at the gym. She can speak both English and Spanish like most of the Gibraltarians.
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Career
She served St Bernard's Hospital in Gibraltar as a human resources clerk for five years before winning the Miss Gibraltar 2009 title.
She took part in the national beauty pageant in Gibraltar, Miss Gibraltar in 2009 at the Alameda Open Air Theatre on June 27. She succeeded Krystle Robba to win the national title that led her to represent Gibraltar at the Miss World pageant.
Following her national win, Kaiane geared up for the 59th edition of Miss World pageant - Miss World 2009. The pageant was held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 12.
The Miss World 2009 pageant saw its biggest turnout with 112 entrants from across the world including Kaiane putting their best foot forward to contend for the title.
She won the Miss World Beach Beauty title in the Miss World 2009 pageant and went on to earn a seat at the semi-finals, making her the first Gibraltarian contestant to achieve such feat in the history of the event.
Finally, it was Kaiane who succeeded in clinching the title, which was crowned by her predecessor Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia. She became the first Gibraltarian beauty queen to emerge Miss World. As the event unfolded live on TV, Gibraltar had a ball with many celebrating the historic moment in the streets, waving the Flag of Gibraltar, setting off fireworks and rejoicing like never before.
Peter Caruana, the then Chief Minister of Gibraltar, praised her achievement saying "wonderful achievement for her and for Gibraltar". He also announced that she will receive a "homecoming fit for a queen".
The HM Government of Gibraltar declared on December 15, 2009 that she would be flown from London to Gibraltar on a private jet.
Meanwhile on December 16, a press release was issued by the government outlining the events that would follow after her arrival. It also made request to the business houses to remain closed from 4pm and 6pm on December 17, 2009, if possible so that their employees can participate and witness such joyous and historic event.
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As she landed on December 17, 2009, she received a public greeting at the Gibraltar Airport after which she was paraded down the main street while the band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment preceded her. She then rode an open-top car that was earlier used by Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales while on their honeymoon in Gibraltar.
She then graced the balcony of City Hall which was followed by a press conference. A reception was also held at the Rock Hotel that day. A firework display from Gibraltar Harbour rounded off the celebration of the day, although the spirit of such jubilation remained for long.
A special sheet of stamps were issued by ‘Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau’ to honour her achievement.
She travelled more than 40 countries during her tenure as Miss World 2009 which included United States, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Spain, China, Italy, Japan, Korea and Gibraltar among others.
She remained a guest judge of the sixth edition of the Mister World male pageant, Mister World 2010, held in Incheon, South Korea.
A unanimous vote in the Gibraltar Parliament conferred upon her the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour and the Freedom of the City of Gibraltar on July 7, 2011.
A motion by the current Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, passed by the Parliament, made her the deputy to the then Mayor of Gibraltar, Adolfo Canepa, in March 2014.
On April 5, 2017, she succeeded Canepa to become the new Mayor of Gibraltar.
