Royal holds degrees and certificates in urban planning and historic preservation and previously served with the staff of the New Orleans Historic Districts Landmarks Commission and the Columbus, Ga. planning department. Currently a marketing and communications manager, he is a former U.S. Army and Veterans Affairs Department public affairs officer, and chief of public affairs for United States Army NATO.

He is an Army Veteran with service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Israel and Ukraine among other overseas assignments, and a two-time Bronze Star Medal recipient. He maintains connections to veterans and veteran causes through veterans service organizations including the American Legion Post 108 in Cheverly where he serves as its finance officer.

A Native of Duluth, Minn., Royal now calls Prince George's County home and is a proud Cheverlian.