The unthinkable happens to a pregnant German princess when her husband, Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, passes away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest a few months before the birth of their first child. His 51-year-old wife, Princess Josefa, is currently expecting their first child, which is due in July. The couple got married in September 2023 and had only been together for nine months. The mayoral reelection campaign of Princess Josefa, the deputy mayor of Leonberg, Germany, has been temporarily put on hold.
A Royal Tragedy Unfolds
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, a member of Germany’s historic royal dynasty, has died unexpectedly at age 63 from sudden cardiac arrest. The prince, known as the “Diamond Prince” for his work in the diamond industry, passed away in Windhoek, Namibia, where he was conducting business. His death comes at a particularly heartbreaking time as his wife, Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, 51, is pregnant with their first child, due to arrive in July. The couple had celebrated their wedding just nine months ago in Josefa’s hometown of Kollnburg, Germany, after meeting at a trade fair two years prior.
Princess Josefa announced the devastating news to her community through an emotional Instagram post. “My beloved husband Harald V. Hohenzollern died quite unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac death. This loss hits me very deep,” she wrote. The princess, who currently serves as First Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, has temporarily suspended her re-election campaign to process her grief. Known locally as the “singing mayor,” Josefa had been actively campaigning while advocating for increased female representation in local German politics.
And…'suddenly'😪💔
*Harald Prince of Hohenzollern-63-Germany
*'…from the Swabian line of the House of Hohenzollern, a dynasty
*Beloved Husband of Josefa von Hohenzollern, also known as the "singing mayor"
*June 26, 2025
*Tragically, Harald died suddenly and "completely… pic.twitter.com/9aiP1broir— cheri maday (@resilient333) June 28, 2025
The House of Hohenzollern’s Legacy
The Hohenzollern dynasty represents one of Germany’s most significant royal lineages, with historical ties to several regions including Hohenzollern, Brandenburg, Prussia, the German Empire, and Romania. Though Germany no longer maintains an official monarchy, the family continues to hold cultural and historical importance. Josefa became a princess upon her marriage to Harald, joining this storied family line. Despite no longer ruling, members of the Hohenzollern family maintain connections to European nobility and continue various business and philanthropic endeavors.
While the family name carries significant historical weight, it has recently been subject to controversy. The Daily Mail reports that a music teacher named Donatus used a legal loophole to adopt the Hohenzollern name, causing frustration among legitimate family members. Karl Friedrich, the actual Prince of Hohenzollern, expressed his displeasure, stating: “It makes me angry and frustrated, it leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth.”
🚨Debriefing: Timelines Patterns & Heart Attacks
💔🇩🇪 Another bloodline cut.
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, descendant of Germany’s imperial dynasty, dead at 63.
Sudden cardiac arrest in Namibia—on business in the diamond trade.
His wife, Princess Josefa (a sitting mayor), is… pic.twitter.com/ZKqni2z3SI— TheDebriefing17 (@TheDebriefing17) July 1, 2025
Looking Forward
Despite her profound grief, Princess Josefa has indicated she plans to eventually resume her candidacy for re-election as mayor, honoring what she described as her husband’s wishes. She thanked supporters for their condolences during this difficult time, writing, “I hope for your understanding during this time off and thank you from the bottom of my heart at this point for your condolences and support.” The princess now faces the challenging task of preparing for single motherhood while continuing her public service career in local government.
The princess’s situation highlights the universal nature of loss that affects people regardless of title or status. As she navigates this difficult chapter, Princess Josefa will balance her personal grief with her responsibilities both to her unborn child and to the citizens she serves. Her story reminds us of life’s fragility and the strength required to face unexpected tragedy.