Royal Bank America Parent Company Announces Appointment of Edward F. Bradley to Board of Directors

NARBERTH, PA--(Marketwire - December 22, 2008) - Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc. (NASDAQ: RBPAA) ("Royal"), parent company of Royal Bank America and Royal Asian Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward F. Bradley to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Bradley is currently an Adjunct Professor of Taxation in the Graduate Business School of Philadelphia University. Prior to entering academia he spent approximately 30 years working as a Financial Services Partner for a major international accounting firm.

"Mr. Bradley brings another strong, independent voice to our Board of Directors. His many years of hands-on experience working with financial institutions on auditing and taxation issues will be a tremendous benefit to us as we grow our business in an increasingly regulated industry," noted Royal Chairman and incoming CEO Robert R. Tabas.

Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc., headquartered in Narberth, Pennsylvania, is a two-bank holding company operating the Royal Bank America and Royal Asian Bank brands throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. As The Region's Premier Commercial Lender, Royal Bank America has played a lead role in the growth and development of our area for the past 40+ years. Royal Asian Bank enjoys a distinctive niche serving the financing and banking needs of the growing Asian-American population. More information on Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, our banks and subsidiaries is available at www.royalbankamerica.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Marc Sanders Director of Marketing 610.668.4700