Royal's family has been involved in community life and local politics for four generations.

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Royal lectured at the U of O School of Management. He entered public life as Councillor for Gloucester. During his time in office, he was instrumental in launching the city's first corporate strategic plan, which was later lauded as a model for other municipalities. He has also served two terms as a Director of TVOntario.

Royal was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006. He has served as Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole House. Long active in his community, Royal has served as Trustee and Vice-Chair of the Ottawa Public Library where he has helped bring safe Internet access to public libraries across the city.

In addition, he has served on the Ottawa-Carleton Regional District Health Council, where he dedicated himself to ensuring the delivery of minority language health services in Ottawa.

Royal has been married to his wife Anne for 30 years. They have three sons and one daughter.