The events of July 4, 1776 may have freed this country from the tyranny of monarchs, yet that doesn’t mean royalty is unwelcome here—especially if said “royal” is Queen Latifah (pictured), this year’s marquee guest at the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade on July 4 beginning at 8 p.m. Latifah is joined by Arlo Guthrie and other special guests who accompany the beloved orchestra for this free extravaganza, followed, as usual, by a dazzling pyrotechnic display over the Charles River.