‘SA’s Princess Di’: Where is ex-Miss World Anneline Kriel now? [photos]

Anneline Kriel – the blonde bombshell who married hotel and casino tycoon Sol Kerzner is one of only three South African women to be crowned Miss World.

After taking the title in 1974 and living much of her life in the spotlight, the Pretoria-born beauty queen known for posing for Playboy is now living her retirement on a tropical island.

CROWNED MISS WORLD BY DEFAULT

In 1974, Anneline Kriel won the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. A few months later, she placed as first princess at the Miss World at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Just four days later, Kriel took over the Miss World crown after Wales winner Helen Morgan was disqualified for being an unwed mother.

Kirel courted controversy as a representative of South Africa, which had international sanctions imposed under the Apartheid era.

According to The Times, the US and Australia refused to accept her as part of the obligatory world tour, while other nations protested that they could not guarantee her safety.

Anneline Kriel claimed that she was coached to avoid talking about politics back home and admitted to living a sheltered life under censored press.

She said: “I was 19. I was very innocent. When I finally went to America they asked me on TV if I thought everyone in my country was happy — and I said yes, I did think everyone was happy. Because I did think that.”

Kriel went on to become a successful actress and model after her reign. She was also affectionately nicknamed “South Africa’s Princess Di” by the press.

WHERE IS ANNELINE KRIEL NOW?

Anneline Kriel now lives her life entirely out of the spotlight.

Here’s what she is up to…

Swapping Mzansi for Mauritius

After splitting from her husbands Sol Kerzner and Philip Tucker, Anneline married CEO of Sun International Peter Backon. The couple relocated from Cape Town to a tropical island.

She has her own swimwear line.

Anneline is the owner of Laya Swimwear, which she co-manages with her youngest daughter.

She wants to make a documentary about her Miss World experience.

Anneline Kriel is hoping to make her “dream” come true about her controversial role in 1974.

She’s vocal about SA’s government, farm murders, and policies like BEE.

She told Vrye Weekblad: “I fear for South Africa’s future. After almost 30 years of ANC government, there are still so many South Africans living in poverty and insecurity.

“After so many years, it is surely time that everyone should have equal opportunities and B-BBEE no longer has a place in our economy.