TCU Student Crowned Queen of Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Kelsey Grace French, a finance major and Tri Delt sorority member, will reign as the 2026 Queen of Carnival.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Kelsey Grace French, a 21-year-old finance major at Texas Christian University, has been named the 2026 Queen of Carnival by the Rex Organization in New Orleans. French, a New Orleans native and member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, comes from a family with deep roots in the Mardi Gras tradition, as her grandfather previously served as King in 1959.

Why it matters

The Queen of Carnival is one of the highest honors in New Orleans, with the monarch presiding over the entire Mardi Gras celebration. French's selection as Queen highlights the continued prominence of the Mardi Gras tradition in the city, as well as the involvement of younger generations in upholding these longstanding customs.

The details

French, who has studied abroad in London and Paris and worked as an investment banking analyst in New York City, will wear a ball gown featuring lilies and butterflies that pay tribute to the 2026 parade's theme of "Rebirth and Renewal" as well as her grandmother. Though the Queen is typically announced on Lundi Gras, the Monday before Mardi Gras, French's selection was revealed on Valentine's Day this year.

  • Kelsey Grace French was named the 2026 Queen of Carnival by the Rex Organization.
  • The Mardi Gras parade and ball will take place on February 17, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Grace French

A 21-year-old finance major at Texas Christian University and member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, who was named the 2026 Queen of Carnival by the Rex Organization in New Orleans.

William French

Kelsey Grace French's father, who is a lieutenant and historian for the Rex Organization.

Rex Organization

An all-male organization that has staged more Mardi Gras parades than any other in New Orleans, and selects the King and Queen of Carnival each year.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kelsey Grace French (FOX 8)

“There are lilies and butterflies all over [the gown]. The lilies are actually lilies that we grow at our farm in Mississippi that I grow with my grandmother.”

— Kelsey Grace French (FOX 8)

What’s next

The Mardi Gras parade and ball where Kelsey Grace French will be officially presented as the 2026 Queen of Carnival will take place on February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Kelsey Grace French's selection as the 2026 Queen of Carnival in New Orleans highlights the continued importance of the city's Mardi Gras traditions, as well as the involvement of younger generations in upholding these longstanding customs.