Texans to Lead Lavish Versailles Biennial Celebration

Three Lone Star State natives will helm the American Friends of Versailles' A Legacy of Light event in June 2026.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The American Friends of Versailles' biennial A Legacy of Light celebration, scheduled for June 5-8, 2026, will be led by three prominent Texans: Alicia Bryan, president of the American Friends of Versailles and scion of a leading Texas energy family; Becca Cason Thrash, a Houstonian living in Paris who has been named the event's distinguished honorary chair; and Lucas Somoza, a native Houstonian also based in Paris, who will oversee the design and planning of the festivities.

Why it matters

The A Legacy of Light celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the United States' alliance with France during the American Revolution, when King Louis XVI, residing at Versailles, formally recognized U.S. independence and provided military and financial aid. The event aims to reinforce the importance of legacy and preservation, with proceeds supporting the restoration of the Salon de Diane and the future American Wing at the Palace of Versailles.

The details

The four-day celebration will provide guests with unprecedented access to historic Parisian structures, including an evening gathering in the restored rooms of the Hôtel de Talleyrand (the U.S. Embassy), a formal dinner cooked by chef Yannick Alléno in the diplomatic quarters of the Quai d'Orsay, and an intimate garden fête and equestrian presentation at the Château de Champlâtreux. The highlight will be the Legacy of Light Gala at Versailles, where approximately 200 guests will have private access to the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and a grand dinner in the Galerie des Batailles, followed by fireworks and dancing.

  • The A Legacy of Light biennial celebration is set for June 5 through June 8, 2026.
  • The Legacy of Light Gala at Versailles will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The players

Alicia Bryan

President of the American Friends of Versailles and scion of one of Texas's leading energy families, based in San Antonio.

Becca Cason Thrash

A Houstonian living in Paris, recipient of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, who has been named the distinguished honorary chair of the 2026 event.

Lucas Somoza

A native Houstonian and Paris resident, noted for his beautifully executed celebrations around the world, who was tasked with leading the planning for the festivities and the ball at Versailles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The three of us, all native Texans, are joyfully combining our networks, experience and style to usher this very respected charity into a fresh chapter, reviving its glamour while giving it a contemporary pulse.”

— Lucas Somoza

“The 2026 gala isn't just a beautiful evening at Versailles. It's about a four-day experience in the very heart of French diplomacy — reinforcing the importance of legacy and preservation. All proceeds support the restoration of the Salon de Diane and help advance the vision of a future American Wing at the Palace.”

— Alicia Bryan, President, American Friends of Versailles

“It's a profound privilege to be the honorary chairman of this exceptional effort for Versailles. Texans bring an energy, glamour and generosity that no other group can provide.”

— Becca Cason Thrash, Distinguished Honorary Chair, 2026 American Friends of Versailles Gala

What’s next

Detailed timings, precise addresses, entry protocols, and dress codes will be provided to guests in the weeks ahead.

The takeaway

The 2026 American Friends of Versailles' A Legacy of Light celebration will showcase the unique Texas flair and fundraising prowess of its three Lone Star State leaders, while reinforcing the historic ties between the United States and France and supporting the preservation of the iconic Palace of Versailles.