Miss USA, R'Bonney Gabriel, was crowned Miss Universe 2023 last night during the 71st edition of the beauty pageant.

Representatives from 84 countries participated in the competition.

Gabriel faced off against Venezuela's Amanda Dudamen and Andreina Martinez from the Dominican Republic before she walked off with the 2023 crown.

Namibia was represented at this year's pageant by Cassia Sharpley.

Miss Namibia National Director, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, who accompanied Cassia Sharpley to the Miss Universe Pageant, has thanked everyone for their overwhelming support.

"I am so happy to report back about the Miss Universe pageant; it went very, very well. I would like to thank each and every Namibian for their support. You were there all the way since day one, since the production, and you were there for us, and we are very, very happy. The entire family and friends stood behind Cassia; Namibia stood behind Cassia. It is just an exciting thing to know that everyone was so happy to cheer for Cassia, and it was really a big boost for her confidence as well. Today she's really trying to rest after the pageant, all the adrenaline and things like that, so really, Cassia did an exceptional job; she represented Namibia well, she put Namibia on the stage, and we have to know that this is the beginning of her career or the continuation of a great career because Cassia is an all-rounder; she is good at everything she does. I also want to say thank you to our sponsors. If it weren't for our sponsors, we wouldn't be here, so thank you very much for our sponsors."