Front Royal, a small town of 16,000 known for its strong Catholic community, welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla as the British Royals concluded their historic 27-30 April state visit to the US marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The 30 April event, dubbed the Front Royal 250th Celebration, saw the town’s population – students, families, and workers – turn out in droves, with thousands lining Main Street for hours to catch a glimpse of the British monarchs.
Union Jacks flew alongside US flags, and children donned costumes reflecting both British and American heritage. The day coincided with a first Communion Mass at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, which is situated on the route taken by the royal motorcade, making it especially memorable for local Catholics who reflected on the significance of receiving both “kings” to their town – Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and the British monarch.
Emily Janaro voiced a sentiment many in the Catholic community shared with OSV News: while they would have preferred a visit from Pope Leo XIV, having the King of Great Britain visit their small town was still pretty amazing.
Tom McFadden, vice president of enrollment and student services at nearby Christendom College and a member of the county school board, said it was truly a monarchical day. McFadden, who got to shake hands with Charles, spent time at the adoration chapel where Jesus Christ – present body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist – was attended by “only a few devoted souls.”
He said, “It’s very cool to be a part of this amazing event – but the real Celebrity is within our reach every day.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source catholicweekly.com.au ’
