Miss France has crowned its oldest ever champion after more than 100 years of strict age limit rules.
Angélique Angarni-Filopon declared her win – at the age of 34 – as proof that it is ‘never too late’ to change your life or career.
The flight attendant, who represented the French Caribbean island of Martinique in the contest, said she hoped her victory would inspire others to pursue their dreams.
She said she was representing ‘Martinique, its diaspora as well as all the women who were once told that it was too late.’
The pageant, which has been running since 1920, previously stopped women over the age of 24 from entering, with a rule change in 2022 also opening it up to mothers and married women as organisers said they wanted to ‘change with the times’.
Contestants must still be at least 5ft 7in tall, and pledge not to gain weight, change their hairstyle or display tattoos or piercings during their 12-month reign.
A 52-year-old woman also entered the contest this year but did not make it past the regional stages, French media reports.
Ms Angarni-Filopon said after collecting the tiara: ‘People are always talking about my age. I think I am well-preserved. I have not got wrinkles.’
