Royal C. Taft attended Worcester Academy and later managed institutional risk in high-finance for nearly a decade before transitioning to the public sector. He served as treasurer for a prominent church and held a seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Taft also held leadership roles in banking and railroad industries, including serving as president of the Merchants National Bank and the Boston & Providence Railroad, and as a director for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. He was a charter member and president of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Royal C. Taft's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of fiscal conservatism with a progressive environmental stance. While advocating for economic stability and infrastructure development, Taft also championed conservation and sustainable practices, creating a notable tension between traditional economic policies and environmental stewardship. His rhetorical style likely emphasizes the long-term benefits of these seemingly disparate policies, suggesting a highly localized approach that balances regional industrial interests with broader environmental concerns.