Biography for His Royal Highness:
His Royal Highness the Sovereign Prince aka Ri-Flaith (Kingly Prince) Carl Raymond Bradley Sovereign Head of the Royal House of Bradley, the Cenel Bhrolchan and Clann Bradley, Prince of Ireland, Defender of Faith and Heritage.
Published on the 29th day of June, 2025.
His Royal Highness Prince Carl Raymond Bradley, Sovereign Head of the Royal House of Bradley, is a Prince of Irish descent, whose noble lineage traces to the Rí Tuath, through Suibhne Meann, Ard-Rí or High King of Ireland, and Rí or King of Ailech in Donegal—head of both the Cenél Fearadhaigh and Cenél Eoghain dynasties.
He was born on the 29th of May 1964, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA, Prince Carl is the firstborn son of Prince Gerald Paul Bradley and Kurfürstin, Herzogin, and Princess Consort Christine Rosemary Förnbacher.
His maternal lineage descends from Kurfürst and Herzog Ernest Gottlieb Förnbacher, of the Ancient Noble House of Fornbach in Germany. Early Life and Family Raised in Altoona, Pennsylvania, His Royal Highness was nurtured in the Roman Catholic tradition, receiving baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
Family Life:
The prince is the eldest of six children, with four surviving sisters:
• Princess Royal Kathleen Marie Bradley Albright
• Princess Mary Esther Bradley-Hollern
• Princess Barbara Ann Bradley-Wilt
• Princess Denise Lynn Bradley.
His second sister, Princess Theresa Bradley, passed away in infancy. On 4 December 1986, Prince Carl married Princess Consort Elke Petra Scherlein in Svendborg, Denmark. As a Dame of the ancient Uradel nobility of Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany she shares his commitment to service and tradition. Together, they have three children:
• Princess Christina Elisabeth-Ann Bradley (b. 23 January 1990, Tacoma, WA)
• Prince Patrick Ryan Bradley (b. 8 November 1991, Columbus, GA)
• Prince Shawn Michael-Christopher Bradley (b. 15 July 1993, Altoona, PA)
Education and Military Service:
Prince Carl completed his formal education while actively serving in the military. In 1993, he earned a Doctorate in the Philosophy of Religious Beliefs, with a focus on Conscious Business Ethics, from Sedona University, Arizona. He is fluent in English and German, possesses working knowledge of Polish, and is studying Gaelic.
Military Honors and International Recognition:
He enlisted in the United States Army on 1 September 1981, serving in global deployments and various U.S. posts. His distinguished career culminated in his role as an instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, where he retired on 15th of March 1993.
Military Distinctions Prince Carl’s military record includes prestigious U.S. and international honors:
• Parachutist Wings with Combat Jump Star • Ranger Qualification • Combat Infantryman Badge • Army Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor (with several oak leaf clusters) • Army Achievement Medal (with several oak leaf clusters) • National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal 2nd Award • Parachutist Wings from Germany (Bronze), Parachutist Wings from Canada (Red), Parachutist Wings from Panama, and Parachutist Wings from Egypt • Schützenschnur (Gold) from the German Armed Forces • Inducted into the Order of Saint Maurice, Fort Benning.
Sovereign Restoration and Nobility:
Upon retiring from military service, Prince Carl undertook the restoration of the Royal House of Bradley, upholding the ancient rights and visibility of his noble heritage. Despite opposition from both within and outside his lineage, he succeeded in reaffirming its sovereign status, linked through his maternal inheritance to the House of Förnbacher and the historic Counts of Fornbach. Following the passing of Princess Christine in March 2024, Prince Carl declared the House of Bradley an Interdependent Sovereign Entity, formally preserving its status through a Declaration of Sovereignty and codified governance.
Public Service and Philanthropy:
Philanthropy and Public Life Dedicated to Christian virtue and public service, His Royal Highness established the Prince Bradley Foundation, supporting charitable efforts in youth welfare, education, and medical aid for children. As Sovereign of the Most Royal Order of the House of Bradley, he presides over ceremonial, charitable, and cultural engagements across the United States. Through his actions, Prince Carl unites the legacy of aristocratic responsibility with spiritual humility and modern relevance. A man of faith, humor, and deep commitment, he continues to honor his oath as a Prince and servant-leader, restoring a noble tradition where true sovereignty is proven through service.