Want to Know what
The Order of the Royal Guard is all About?

Join the King’s Guard — A Year of Purpose, Tradition, and Unforgettable Experiences

What Is the St. Paul Winter Carnival?

For more than 100 years, the St. Paul Winter Carnival has celebrated the beauty, resilience, and spirit of Minnesota. What began as a bold statement against winter has grown into one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved community festivals—a celebration of joy, tradition, and everything that makes Minnesota a remarkable place to live.

At the center of this tradition is the Royal Family, selected each year to represent the community locally and across the country. The Royal Family includes a King, Queen, Princesses, and a Prime Minister. Supporting them in all things are the protectors of the realm - The King’s Guard.

What Is the Role of the King’s Guard?

The King’s Guard is more than a ceremonial escort. The Guard is a brotherhood of service, leadership, and fellowship. Guard members represent the Winter Carnival by serving as ambassadors of goodwill, and build meaningful connections throughout the community.

As a member of the Guard, you will:

• Support and accompany the Royal Family throughout their year.
• Serve the community with pride and enthusiasm.
• Build strong friendships and memories that last far beyond your year of service.
• Represent Minnesota traditions at local events and national festivals.

When Does the Winter Carnival Take Place?

The 2026 St. Paul Winter Carnival runs January 23–February 1.
Your journey, however, begins well before coronation and continues throughout the year as you take part in parades, festivals, community visits, charitable events, and celebrations across the region.

Where Will This Experience Take You?

While St. Paul is home, the King’s Guard travels far beyond city limits. Most appearances occur in the Twin Cities metro, but the Royal Family has proudly represented Minnesota in: Florida, Canada, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota.

Every appearance is an opportunity to make connections in other communities, serve, and celebrate.

Why Join the King’s Guard?

Becoming a member of the King’s Guard is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into tradition, service, leadership, and fun—all wrapped into one incredible year.

What’s in it for you?

• Lifelong friendships with a tight-knit group of committed volunteers.
• Leadership growth through mentorship and collaboration.
• Expanded professional networks, connecting you with community and business leaders.
• Personal growth as you take on new challenges in a supportive environment.
• A meaningful way to give back while enjoying unforgettable experiences.

This is a year of service with heart, and plenty of laughter along the way.

Who Makes a Great Fit for the King’s Guard?

Our members come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether you're looking to serve your community, challenge yourself, grow as a leader, or simply be part of something bigger, the Guard offers a welcoming and encouraging environment.

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Enjoy building relationships and connecting with people.
• Want to be part of a respected community tradition .
• Value teamwork and camaraderie
• Are ready to step outside your comfort zone .
• Want a fun, meaningful volunteer experience with lasting impact .
  
  

How do you learn more or become a member?

Complete the contact form at this LINK. A member of the Guards will reach out to answer your questions, share more about the experience, and guide you through next steps.

Please Fill out our CONTACT FORM.

The History of the Order of the Royal Guard

In the 1880’s, St. Paul Minnesota was among the fastest growing cities in the country, prompting several newspaper correspondents to visit in 1885. Unfortunately, when they returned home their review was unfavorable, reporting St. Paul to be “another Siberia and unfit for habitation in the winter.” However, local business leaders including James J. Hill were unfazed and wanted to find a way to show the world that Minnesotans do not only survive in the winter but thrive. The result was the first St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1886, with a spectacular ice palace as its centerpiece. This tradition continues on to this day, making the St. Paul Winter Carnival the largest and oldest winter festival in the nation. The modern festival is themed around the legend of the mighty monarch of ice and snow King Boreas Rex, who rules over icy realm of St. Paul alongside Aurora, Queen of the Snows, his four brothers and their princesses, his Prime minister, and of course Klondike Kate. Throughout their travels, since their founding in 1916, the royal family and the realm is protected by the King’s Guard, from the archrival of Boreas, the fire king Vulcanus Rex and his crew.

While the King’s Guard has been a Winter Carnival tradition for over a century, the Order of the Royal Guard came into its own following the end of World War II. Between 1950 through 1958, later known as the “educational era” of the King’s Guard, the protectors of the realm were selected from the three major colleges in the area, including Hamline, Macalester, and St. Thomas, with St. Thomas being used exclusively from 1950-1952. The current volunteer format of the Order of the Royal Guard, that is still used today, was cemented in 1959, and the organization celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2019.

Today, being a part of the King’s Guard offers an exciting and unique opportunity to participate as volunteers in the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The King’s Guard is made up of a different team of volunteers from year to year and consists of a contingent of up to 10 guards lead by a captain and sergeant. The King’s Guard, along with the Royal Family, make 300+ appearances throughout their year long reign. Approximately 100 of these appearances occur during the official 10 days of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, with the remaining appearances spread out throughout the remainder of the year. In addition to attending community festivals and events, the King’s Guard will participate in local parades, volunteer within their community, and spend time visiting schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and local businesses. Many of these appearances are within the Twin Cities Metro area, and additionally, the Royal Family also travels to various cities around the state as well as Wisconsin. The royal family also will have the opportunity to travel to festivals around the country, as well as internationally, including Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Canada, and the Hernando DeSoto Festival in Bradenton, Florida to name a few.

The Order of the Royal Guard is always looking for new volunteers to help in the continuation of this century long St. Paul Winter Carnival tradition. Protect the Realm and join the Guard!