About

Royal Court


The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is intended to provide an opportunity for citizens of the City of Virginia Beach to take part in an atmosphere of festive fun, to develop a sense of community pride, and to enjoy and celebrate together the special heritage that characterizes the City of Virginia Beach.
The Royal Court brings together individuals serving as King Neptune, Tritons, Princesses and Princes. Royal Court members are the embodiment of community service and are recognized as role models in the city.
Neptune Festival Royal Court King Neptune and Mermaids during Parade

The Neptune Legend

The legend of Neptune says that this Roman god was King of the Sea. Carrying his trident, a three-pronged spear, Neptune would drive in his dolphin-pulled chariot over the waters, calming the waters wherever he went.

Since the beginning of the Neptune Festival in 1974, dedicated citizens of the Virginia Beach community have been chosen to play the part of beach ambassadors as King Neptune and the Royal Court.

King Neptune & The Court

The King is chosen by the Neptune Festival committee from nominations solicited from the general public. The selection process weighs criteria such as demonstrated involvement and contribution to the quality of life in Virginia Beach and active participation in the activities of community life. Once chosen, the King and the rest of the Court become ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year.

Nominate a King or Triton2026 Prince/Princess Applications will be available in October 2025
Neptune Festival Royal Court Princesses overlooking Neptune Statue on Boardwalk

2025 Neptune Festival Royal Court

Photo of 2021 Royal Court
Blue Double Wave (Short)

King Neptune LI

TBA March 2025

Blue Double Wave (Short)

2025 Tritons

Joining King Neptune are Tritons, male and female leaders nominated from across the community who embody the spirit of the Neptune Festival. Once chosen, Tritons and their partners become ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year.


Dave Bellis
ADS, Inc.

Bart Dexter
Hourigan

Melinda Hancock
Sentara Health

Dan Heatwole
Ripley Heatwole

Jason Kies
KPMG

Tim Paice
BDO

Jack Stiffler
Compton Wealth Advisory Group

Anthony Walters
YMCA of South Hampton Roads

2025 Prince and Princesses

Princesses and Princes have demonstrated active participation in school, community and/or civic organizations and endeavors.

2025 Prince and Princesses represent Bayside High School, Cape Henry Collegiate, Cox High School, Kellam High School, Kempsville High School, First Colonial High School, Norfolk Academy, and Princess Anne High School.


Kennedy Armstrong

Maren Baxley

Londyn Coleman

Beverly Cuffee

Grace Curran

Carson Gaddy

Aditya Jain

Vedha Nuthi

Hattie Novario

Lily Rouse

Sadie Ruane

Sami Sager

Aubrey Swain

Royal Order


Upon completion of your reign as a Neptune Festival King or Triton, you are entitled to join the Royal Order community. As a member of this community, you receive benefits such as tickets to events, invitations to networking opportunities, and more. Membership dues are required, and must be paid annually. The payment deadline for membership in the 2022 Royal Order is January 31, 2022.

Young girl watching Neptune Festival Grand Parade from curb with family

Learn more about how we got started and where we’re going next.

See Our Story