The Order of the Troubadours Mardi Gras Ball is a glamorous pageant featuring the current year’s royalty along with over 120 cast members of all ages. Along with King Richard Coeur de Lion and Queen Berengaria of Navarre, the ball includes Sir Kenneth, Knight of the Couchant Leopard and Lady Edith Plantagenet of Aquitaine to round out the royal court.

A typical year also includes six to eight Maids escorted by Royal Dukes. The Maids wear custom-made dresses that fit into the ball’s theme for the year.

The kids get involved too. Not only are there attendants to the King Richard, Queen Berengaria, Sir Kenneth and Lady Edith, there are horsemen, float riders, jesters, buglers and teenage dancers to provide a unique entertainment experience. Accompanied with an orchestra and narration makes for a beautiful show!

Over Five Fabulous Decades of the Troubadours Ball

The Order of the Troubadours’ Richard Coeur de Lion has reigned over the Troubadours Ball for many years longer than Richard I reigned in England (1189-1199). Over five decades have passed since the first Troubadours Ball awed members and guests in 1952.

Since that time when the first King and Queen bowed their way into the hearts of Acadiana, the fame of this Ball has spread throughout the United States and the world. People come to Lafayette from all over the country to see the ultimate in Carnival.

Four generations of our membership’s children have had the rich opportunity to participate in this grandiose tradition. Wherever their lives have taken them, they remember always their nights in Richard’s luxurious courts.

The Troubadours Ball is fun for adult members and their children. It affords them the opportunity to entertain their out-of-town guests in grand style. The best in Lafayette’s talent in the fields of art, design, music, choreography, photography, writing, research and hospitality is lavished on this annual celebration.

The most remarkable aspect about the Order of the Troubadours is the fact that most planning, execution and work is done by our own members. Many professionals donate their services to this annual coronation.

Troubadours Crowns are Replicas of Great Britain’s Royal Symbols

The only part of the King’s and Queen’s costumes that are not made custom every year is the royal crowns. Richard Coeur de Lion and Queen Berengaria wear actual replicas of the crowns of the British Sovereigns.

Special permission from the British government had to be obtained before London jewelers were allowed to make replicas of the crowns, which were worn first by the Troubadours King and Queen in 1959. Ordinarily, replicas of the English Regalia, which includes the crowns, scepters and vestments, are allowed only for purposes of exhibition. However, the Troubadours received permission to use the crowns and scepter for the Troubadour pageant only.

The crown is the best-known ornament of royal Regalia, since it is traditionally the badge of kingly power. It has become symbolic of the throne. The replica of the magnificent Imperial State Crown is worn yearly by King Richard Coeur de Lion. The state crown is entirely encrusted with precious stones and was made for Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1838.

The crown is a circlet of silver openwork, bordered with pearls and set with clusters of emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. Above the circlet are four fleur de lis and “crosses pattee” entirely set with diamonds and gems. The arches of the Crown are worked into a design of oak leaves and acorns. The diamond mound is topped by a diamond “cross pattee” with a sapphire in the center of the cross.

In front of the crown is set the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” given to Charles II by Pedro the Cruel in 1367. Below it is the second largest portion of the Star of Africa diamond. The Stuart sapphire is set in the back of the Crown. This sapphire, oval in shape, was among the Crown Jewels of Charles II. In the center of the “cross pattee” on the top of the Crown is the beautiful sapphire, believed to have belonged to Edward, the Confessor. At the point of intersection of the arches of the Crown are the four large drop-shaped pearls said to have been earrings of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Queen’s crown is a replica of the one that was worn by Queen Elizabeth II when she opened her first Parliament in 1952. Like the original it features the Cross, Rose, Thistle and Shamrock emblems in diamonds and pearls.

Lavish Parties Surround the Grand Ball

The beautiful formal ball and pageant followed by breakfast is the climax of the busy Troubadours Ball “season.” Several large official parties surround this major celebration, as well as many smaller private parties.

Usually, the first occasion is a cocktail party honoring the current Dukes, who escort the Royal Maids to the Court. Hosts are Dukes of past years.

Other festivities include the Past Kings’ dinner honoring the new Richard Coeur de Lion, a Queen’s luncheon, and a Krewe cocktail party. The King entertains the Krewe and his guests with an extravagant party the day after the ball.

At each of these galas the ball theme is carried out in exotic delicacies, lavish flowers and décor, as well as glittering favors. High fashion for both men and women is especially evident at Troubadours activities.

Watch the Troubadours Mardi Gras Ball Video