EXHIBIT 23

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         We issued our report dated January 25, 2002, accompanying the
consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
of Royal Bancshares of Pennsylvania, Inc. and Subsidiaries on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2001. We hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of said report in the Company's Registration Statements on Form S-8
(File No. 333-25855), effective April 25, 1997, as amended on August 18, 1997.




/s/ Grant Thornton, LLP
-----------------------
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 29, 2002