King and Queen end US state visit with trip to small-town America

King and Queen end US state visit with trip to small-town America55 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleSean CoughlanRoyal correspondent, in Front Royal, VirginiaReutersKing Charles III and Queen Camilla have said goodbye to their state visit to the US, attending a community party and parade in the small town of Front Royal in the state of Virginia.After the formality and diplomatic challenges of Washington DC, this was an opportunity to see a more relaxed side of the US, with bluegrass music and country rock blasting around the town square.It was the final day, but the first time the royal couple had met the US public, with other events held in extremely tightly sealed security bubbles.There was high security for this event too, but it looked as though a large part of the population of the town had turned out to watch.When the King and Queen appeared there were big cheers from the crowds.The royal couple watched a marching band and, for the first time on this trip, went on a walkabout to shake hands, which seemed to please the locals out enjoying the Appalachian sunshine.It was full-on razzamatazz, with bunting and flags, young baseball players and elderly veterans. Cheerleaders were cheering and a parade of classic cars rolled through town.There was also a demonstration of Appalachian clog dancing, watched keenly by the King and Queen, in a kind of impromptu royal variety show.This was Front Royal's "block party", a neighbourhood celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.It served as an example of small-town America, with a population of 15,000 and shops with names like Loose Cow Mercantile, Weasel Creek Outfitters and Proctor Biggs Feed Mill.Bing Crosby sang here once for a fundraiser in 1948. But that landmark occasion could be eclipsed by the royal visitors.It was a big day for the town, but it also looked like a big relief for the King and Queen.It was a cheerful ending for what had proved an unexpectedly successful...