Mobile Carnival Association’s
King Felix III, William Edward Slaton, Jr.
By Caroline Edmondson Photo Layla Lambert, CoastalEventsAndDesign.com Photoshoot location courtesy of Mobile’s Perdido Queen Dinner Cruises & Events; 251.948.6611, PerdidoQueen.com
Each new Carnival season heralds in a new King Felix III to lead his Court and fellow Mobilians in the season’s festivities. This year, the Mobile Carnival Association has chosen Mobile native, William (Will) Edward Slaton, Jr. to reign as this year’s King. Having grown up in the Bay Area, Will and his family have been deeply engrained in the history of Mobile Mardi Gras. “We have participated in several courts over the years,” says Will. “I was an equerry one year, a page the next year, I was in the juvenile court, and then a knight in the MCA Court of 2019. My sister, Monnie, made her debut, and several cousins either made their debuts or were king or queen. This year I am the most excited because I will get to be so involved and enjoy every aspect of Mardi Gras.”
In addition to himself, Will’s family has a long list of former MCA Queens and Kings beginning with his great grandmother, Frances Hannah Whiting in 1929. Additionally, four of his cousins also served as MCA Queen: Amelie Courtney (1951), Kathryn Anne Slaton (1989), Frances Whiting Inge (2004), and Sarah Alice Turner (2006). And, six of his cousins also reigned as MCA King: Crawford Slaton Inge (1976), Vester Jay Thompson III (1984), William DeMouy Slaton (2000), Chadwick Burton Slaton (2008), James Tunstall Inge, Jr. (2012), and Selwyn Horace Turner IV (2014).
Plus, Will’s own father, William Edward Slaton, served in various roles of the Court as Page in both 1975 and 1976, and as a Knight 1990. And, Will’s cousins, Mary Margaret Slaton Curtis and Elizabeth Slaton McConahey, served as Ladies in Waiting in 2004 and 2011.
A proud alumnus of Saint Paul’s Episcopal School, Will graduated in 2020 from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration. Currently serving as a territory manager for DocRx, a healthcare management company based in Mobile.
Beyond the royal responsibilities, Will finds joy in outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, pickleball, and tennis occupy his free time, and of course, he loves to travel and experience new places with his friends and family. “Some of my favorite places I’ve visited are Cabo, the Bahamas, Punta Cana, Highlands and Cashiers, and Charleston, “ he reflects. “I’ve made some fantastic memories with my friends and family at these places. I love skiing, fishing, or being on the boat when I travel.”
The Bay Area, particularly his family’s home in Point Clear, holds a special place in his heart. “I enjoy being on the water all the time so going on the boat with my friends and cousins, fishing and tubing all around the Bay is so fun. Growing up in Mobile and spending summers on the Bay has made me into the person I am today.”
For Will, Mardi Gras is a treasured part of his childhood. From Athelstan Club parades to family getaways, the holiday week was always filled with never ending fun. “I have memories of Mardi Gras for as long as I can remember and a lot is thanks to my parents,” he fondly recalls. “My dad would take us to every single parade, many times making sure we caught the parade twice. There really is no place like Mobile during Mardi Gras!”
King Felix III’s attire for the season is a masterpiece crafted by Homer McClure, and Christal Hall. Inspired by the colors of a Mobile Bay sunset, the costume and train exude elegance and a touch of local flavor. “Homer McClure designed the train with a Mobile Bay theme in mind. It includes a replica of the Slaton bay house sign and a crab wearing a crown,” Will shares. He will wear a pin that his cousin and former King, Crawford Inge, wore during his reign. “There are other references to other family monarchs in my regalia, including a blue jay,” he tells us. “I will also be wearing the same crown and carrying the same scepter that my cousin, William Slaton, wore.”
As Will reigns over the Mardi Gras celebrations, his journey reflects a deep connection to tradition, family, and the vibrant spirit of the Bay area. Mobile, with its rich history and festive charm, remains at the heart of his reign. “Will is a very caring, polite and easy person to be around. He is always smiling and loves to interact with people of all ages. He is the first one to greet people with a smile and a handshake and those are then usually followed up with his infectious laugh. His personality is perfectly suited for the honor of being King Felix. We are just so proud of him,” shares Will’s mother, Sheila Slaton.
