NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Kelsey Grace French will serve as the 2026 Queen of Carnival. The Texas Christian University (TCU) student said she was shocked to find out she would hold a role once held by her grandmother in 1959.
Kelsey Grace French, the daughter of William French, a REX lieutenant and the organization’s historian, and Kara Van de Carr, said it’s an honor to be named Queen of Carnival.
“The REX organization truly has such a strong history in the city of New Orleans and I’m so excited that I get to be a part of that,” French said.
She learned she would be queen after the organization’s president read a poem to her at a dinner in her honor.
French recalled, “At the end of the poem, it said that I was going to be the 2026 Queen of Carnival. I was shocked, I didn’t really know what was going on at first and I was just so excited, it felt like I was in a dream.”
From that moment, the planning began for her reign. French said her gown for the ball Tuesday night is a nod to the REX parade’s theme this year: rebirth and renewal.
“There are lilies and butterflies all over. The lilies are actually lilies that we grow at our farm in Mississippi that I grow with my grandmother,” French said.
The 21-year-old’s connection to her grandmother is deep.
French said, “I’m so glad I get to share this experience with her. She’s so happy and she loves sharing all of her advice and her past experiences with me.”
“She keeps telling me that I need to just live in the moment,” she continued.
While studying finance at TCU, French finds time for her hobbies, including running. Giving back through volunteering is a priority.
“I’ve worked a lot with Eden Centers for hope and healing, which is a non-profit that my mom founded,” French said.
French’s family history with the REX organization dates back to 1889. Her grandfather reigned as REX in 2007 and other family members served on the court. These days, her dad co-hosts the live meeting of the courts broadcast on WYES, but this year he’s getting the night off.
French said, “My dad is off duty this year and so, he just gets to have fun with me.”
Her parents’ pride is evident as their daughter prepares for her biggest role yet.
“You’re going to do great and I’m going to be with you every step of the way,” Kara Van de Carr told her daughter.
“Have fun, have the time of your life, this is your day,” said William French.
Reigning as the Queen of Carnival, the daughter of the REX historian is now leaving her own mark on history.
This year, Queen Kelsey French and her royal court will toast REX at “The Josephine” at the corner of Napoleon and LaSalle streets.
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