In recognition of her contribution to New Orleans and beyond through her years of service as a WDSU TV news anchor, an entrepreneur, public and motivational speaker, crisis consultant, media pro and community servant, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc has named Camille Whitworth to portray Queen Yolande in its 2017 parade.  By special invitation of the Queen, you’ve been invited to accompany her.   Lineup is at 6 p.m. Members of the Queen’s Entourage will need to provide their own costumes appropriate for medieval nobility. The Queen will provide her court with largesse to distribute to the masses (throws), but her entourage may opt to supplement those throws if they wish.

The world of Joan of Arc — 1400s France — was a man’s world, yet the young Joan managed to lead French troops to throw out the English occupiers.  Her work wouldn’t have been possible without another strong woman ahead of her time, Yolande of Aragon, Duchess of Anjou, Countess of Provence, Queen of Four Kingdoms, and mother-in-law of King Charles VII.  One of the most respected political leaders of her time and a trusted adviser of King Charles VII, she urged the King to accept Joan’s leadership and financed Joan’s army.  Each year in her honor the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc selects a strong female community leader who mentors and empowers other women to portray Yolande’s character in our parade.