Reign XV
The Fifteenth Reign
The Court of Hearts
April 10, 1988

Empress XV Belle Fontaine
The Crystal Amethyst Rose Empress

Emperor XV Vince Kline
The Crystal Rose Emperor

After a decade and a half the Imperial Court was still going strong. The city, in this fifteenth reign, elected two delightful and gracious monarchs and crowned them Emperor and Empress VX, Vince Kline and Belle Fontaine. This reign brought some things to a close and also had the opportunity to try some new ideas. After a long association with the Downtown Radisson, new management and the Court saw fit to bring this relationship to a close with Emperor and Empress VX’s stepping down. The 15th Reign was the first reign to try a new idea; that of electing the Prince and Princess Royale. At this stepping down, Vince and Belle were the first Monarchs to have their entire ball video-taped, as well as video screens on either side of the stage for audience viewing. Vince and Belle also broke with tradition by sitting on a satellite dais which gave them the same view of the stage as the audience. “A Imperial Masquerade” at the Downtown Radisson was where the 1st PR’s were elected.

In December, the Radisson also played host to “A Fantasy in White” the 15th Snowball. The Denver Botanical Gardens were the scene for “Your Worst Nightmare,” the King of Hearts Ball.

Emperor Vince and Empress Belle were both blessed with hardworking, supportive lines of succession. For Belle, there was her Princess Royale, Brittany Michaels; Queen Mother, Pearl DeVere; Grand Duchess, Monique LeBrey; Czarina, Kim Kirchner; Marquessa, Joanna Raye; Baroness Savannah Wild; Countess, Anne Furthermore; and Reina, Carissa Cambridge. Vince was supported by his Prince Royale, Michael West; King Father, Ron Heath; Grand Duke, Reggie Groves; Czar, Kevin Kaukman; Marquis, Gary Chapman; Baron, Ken Barker; Count, John Menchaca and Don, Rich Peters. Vince and Belle gave their permanent titles to two extremely supportive individuals for their reign. Monique LeBrey was awarded 1st Lady to All Empresses for Life and Kim Kirchner was made Sir Kim, Knight of the Realm for Life.

“A Royal Journey to Faraway Dreams,” the last coronation to be held at the Downtown Radisson, was a fitting tribute to the 15th Reign and its Monarchs. With new technology coupled with old tradition, it was a night to remember. With the close of a year of Hearts, the city was again asked to vote and the ICRME began its year of “sweet” sixteen.