King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Front Royal, Va. on Thursday to take part in its 250th Celebration Parade, the town has announced on social media.
The town, population 15,922, is about a one-hour, 20-minute drive from Alexandria.
Warren County Public Schools will be closed Thursday for the parade, which will kick off at 10 a.m. The weather forecast is for partly sunny skies and a chilly 50 degrees.
Front Royal, Virginia, is known as the “Canoe Capital of Virginia” and serves as the Northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.
Founded in 1788, the town boasts unique history, including a Civil War battle and legendary origins, alongside attractions like Skyline Caverns, the Appalachian Trail and quirky spots like Dinosaur Land.
The town was previously known as LeHewtown named after early settler Peter LeHew and served as a strategic Revolutionary-era community. Local lore suggests its name stems from a British soldier’s camp where soldiers shouted ‘Front” to a sentry’s chant of “Royal!” Or perhaps it was named for a “Royal” oak tree.
Warren County itself is named after Dr. Joseph Warren, an American patriot who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal Revolutionary War clash that took place in Charlestown, Mass.
Its position near the Shenandoah River and local trade routes allowed the region to serve as a vital support area for Virginia’s military efforts
Here’s more information about Thursday’s event, from Visit Front Royal:
While there is no guarantee spectators will physically view the special guests, this is an historic opportunity to be a part of Their Majesties’ first visit to the United States as King & Queen!” a note from Visit Front Royal says.
Parade attendees will need to comply with all communicated security protocols regarding bags and personal items, identity verification, and pre-event security screening times. A list of prohibited items are included on this page. Please plan for extra time to get through security.
Unfortunately due to the sensitive nature of the very important guests, we cannot allow the entry of lawn or camping chairs. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Animals other than service/guide animals are strictly prohibited, no exceptions.
All streets in the downtown Front Royal area will be impacted by road closures and areas of no parking due to security protocols. Attendees should anticipate walking a significant distance to the screening area and then onto Main Street for the parade.
This event will be photographed and video recorded. The resulting images and recordings will be used and archived by the British Embassy, the Royal Family, and attending members of the press, and may be used for official, promotional, and media purposes.
With a big crowd comes spotty cell service—make a plan with your group ahead of time so everyone can stay connected.
Guest Etiquette (from the Town of Front Royal)
- We ask all guests to be respectful and courteous of all local businesses and their storefronts (maybe even patronize a few while you’re downtown!)
- Pack it in, pack it out! There will NOT be trash receptacles along the parade route, you MUST take your trash with you.
- Be sure and be mindful of little ones and the mobility challenged in large crowds. We can all be neighborly!
- We look out for each other in Front Royal—if you see something that doesn’t seem right, let event staff or public safety know. See something, say something.
Apr. 28, 2026
5:18 p.m.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source alexandrialivingmagazine.com ’
