In recognition of his contribution to New Orleans and beyond as a community leader through his work as the director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and most especially for his work on building the jazz partnership with sister city Orléans, France, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc has named Greg Lambousy to portray King Charles VII in its 2026 parade. SSSHHHH!  The identity of the king is a secret until his coronation party on Monday, Dec. 15th. King Greg has invited you to be part of his special day, and his messenger awaits your reply.   Members of the King’s Entourage will need to provide their own costumes appropriate for medieval nobility and their own throws — 50-100 throws are suggested to supplement what King Greg gives you.  Entourage members may purchase throws from us, make their own throws, or buy appropriate throws elsewhere according to our guidelines. Lineup is at 6:30 p.m. at the French Market vendor parking lot at 90 French Market Place.

Each year, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc selects a male community leader who embodies New Orleans’ French connection to portray King Charles VII in our parade. Before Joan arrived on the scene, King Charles VII (1403-1461) of France was ruling from the town of Chinon (because the English had taken Paris), without a public crowning (because the English had taken Reims). With the pending fall of the town of Orléans, France’s very independence was under siege, and Charles VII made an extraordinary choice: he put a teenage peasant girl called by God in charge of his armies.  The young Joan inspired the tired French troops, who liberated Orléans and blazed a path to Reims where Charles was finally publicly crowned with Joan at his side.