Prince Harald von Hohenzollern of Germany died unexpectedly at age 63 from cardiac arrest while on a business trip to Namibia, leaving his pregnant wife to face the imminent birth of their first child alone. The German aristocrat suffered sudden cardiac death in Windhoek, where he was working in the diamond industry.
Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, 51, announced her husband’s death on social media with a heartbreaking message to her followers. “My beloved husband Harald v. Hohenzollern died quite unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac death,” she wrote in her Instagram post. The princess expressed that the loss hit her very deeply and requested time to grieve while preparing for their unborn child’s arrival.
The couple’s first child is due to be born in July 2025, making the prince’s death particularly devastating as it occurred just days before the expected arrival. Princess Josefa indicated she would be stepping back from campaigning and social media in the coming days to focus on grieving and being present for their unborn child.
Prince Harald and Princess Josefa married in September 2024 in her hometown of Kollnburg, Germany, after meeting at a trade fair in 2022. Their romance began two years prior to their wedding, with their meeting in Stuttgart described as love at first sight. The couple’s relationship progressed quickly, leading to their joyful wedding celebration in the Bavarian Forest resort village.
Princess Josefa currently serves as mayor of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and is running for re-election to the position. The town’s residents affectionately know her as the “singing mayor” due to her passion for music and frequent appearances at cultural events throughout the region. Her political career began in November 2020 when she first ran for financial mayor of Leonberg, securing the third most votes in the initial round.
After the originally elected candidate withdrew before taking office, Princess Josefa ran again and was elected as the only remaining candidate in May 2021. She secured 17 of 33 votes for an eight-year term, serving as both First Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Leonberg. However, her tenure has faced challenges, including being placed on leave in June 2023 by Mayor Martin Cohn following months of political conflict.
The House of Hohenzollern represents one of Europe’s most historically significant royal dynasties, with roots dating back to 1061. The family has connections to Brandenburg, Prussia, Romania, and the German Empire, though Germany’s monarchy was abolished following the German Revolution after World War I. Despite the official end of royal recognition, the dynasty’s legacy continues through two remaining branches.
Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia, leads the formerly royal Prussian line, while Karl Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern, heads the formerly princely Swabian line. The German state no longer officially recognizes these royal houses, unlike other European monarchies that maintain formal recognition. However, the aristocratic titles and family heritage remain intact among the descendants.
Prince Harald maintained a relatively low profile despite his royal title, focusing on his work in the diamond industry rather than public royal duties. His business activities took him to various locations, including the fatal trip to Namibia where he suffered the cardiac arrest that claimed his life. The prince’s work in the diamond sector required international travel, separating him from his pregnant wife during her final weeks of pregnancy.
Princess Josefa has received an outpouring of support and condolences from across Germany and beyond as she navigates this difficult period. Her announcement suspended her mayoral campaign activities, demonstrating the profound impact of her husband’s sudden death on both her personal life and political career. The princess thanked supporters for their understanding during this challenging time and expressed gratitude for the condolences and support received.
The timing of Prince Harald’s death has created an unprecedented situation for the German royal family, as Princess Josefa prepares to welcome their first child without her husband’s presence. The couple had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby, which would have been a joyous milestone in their relatively new marriage. Instead, the princess now faces the dual challenge of grieving her husband’s loss while preparing for single motherhood.
