Prince Harald von Hohenzollern of Germany died unexpectedly at age 63 from cardiac arrest while on a business trip in Namibia, just days before his wife was due to give birth to their first child. The German aristocrat’s death occurred in Windhoek, where he was working in the diamond industry.
Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, 51, announced her husband’s death on social media on June 25, writing that her beloved husband “died completely unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac death.” The princess expressed that the loss hit her very deeply and requested time to grieve and prepare for their unborn child’s arrival.
The couple’s first child is due to be born in July 2025. Princess Josefa indicated she would be stepping back from campaigning and social media in the coming days to focus on grieving and being there for her unborn child. She thanked supporters for their condolences and requested understanding during this difficult time.
Prince Harald and Princess Josefa met at a trade fair in 2022 and married in September 2024 in Kollnburg, the princess’ hometown in Bavaria. According to German outlet Bild, their meeting at a trade show in Stuttgart was described as love at first sight. Their romance developed over two years before they wed in a ceremony that captured many hearts.
Princess Josefa is currently running for re-election as mayor of Leonberg, a town of 50,000 residents in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. She serves as First Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Leonberg and is a member of the center-right Free Democratic Party. The princess first secured her position in May 2021 after receiving 17 of 33 votes for an eight-year term, following a complex electoral process that began in November 2020.
Locals affectionately refer to Princess Josefa as the “singing mayor” due to her passion for music and frequent appearances at cultural events throughout the region. Her love of music and participation in cultural activities has made her a beloved public figure in the community. However, her tenure has faced some challenges, including being placed on leave in June 2023 by Mayor Martin Cohn following months of political conflict.
Prince Harald belonged to the historic House of Hohenzollern, a formal royal German dynasty dating back to 1061. The dynasty has historical ties to Brandenburg, Prussia, Romania, and the German Empire, with members who once served as German emperors, kings of Prussia, and Romanian royalty. The family’s rule ended following the German Revolution after World War I, when Germany’s monarchy was abolished in 1918.
While the royal house is no longer officially recognized by the German government, two branches of Hohenzollern aristocracy remain intact today. Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia, leads the formerly royal Prussian line, while Karl Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern, heads the formerly princely Swabian line. Despite Germany’s monarchy being abolished, these aristocratic titles continue to be maintained by the family.
Princess Josefa assumed her royal title after marrying Prince Harald, who had maintained a relatively low profile despite his aristocratic status. Unlike other European royals, the former royal houses in Germany are not recognized by the state, though they maintain their historical significance and cultural importance.
The princess shared several personal photographs alongside her announcement, showing the couple in happier times during their brief but meaningful marriage. The images captured memories from their life together, offering a glimpse into their private relationship that had begun with such promise and excitement about becoming first-time parents.
As Princess Josefa navigates this profound loss while preparing for motherhood, she faces the challenge of welcoming their child without her husband by her side. The timing of Prince Harald’s death has left the princess in the difficult position of mourning her husband while simultaneously preparing for the arrival of their first child, who will be born into a world forever changed by this unexpected tragedy.
The royal community and citizens of Leonberg have expressed their condolences and support for Princess Josefa during this difficult time. Messages of sympathy continue to pour in from across Germany and beyond, as the community rallies around their beloved mayor in her time of need.
