Kentucky Derby Festival now accepting applications for Royal Court 2026

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Kentucky Derby Festival is now accepting applications for next year's Royal Court.

Young women from Kentucky and southern Indiana who will be 18-year-old by Dec. 31, 2025 and are a full-time college student are encouraged to apply. Applicants must also be at least in their second year of school and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The Royal Court program allows students to gain professional experience while serving as official ambassadors for the Kentucky Derby Festival, The Fillies, Inc., the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“Serving on the Royal Court is more than an honor, it’s a transformative journey of growth both personally and professionally," Elizabeth King, Queen of the 2025 Royal Court, said in a release. I encourage every young woman with big dreams and a heart for serving Kentucky to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead, represent, and make a lasting impact!”

Five women will be selected for princess, and one will be crowned the Derby Queen at the Fillies Derby Ball.

Each member of the court will also receive two $1,000 scholarships, one from The Fillies, Inc. and from the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, along with a complimentary wardrobe.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 12, and applications can be submitted online by clicking here.

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