The sudden death of Prince Harald von Hohenzollern has cast a shadow over a private love story and an unfolding political campaign, just as his wife, Josefa, prepares to welcome their child and continue her public service.Harald, 63, died of cardiac arrest on June 23, 2025, as he was about to enter his car. Despite immediate aid, he could not be revived, according to his wife, Josefa von Hohenzollern.

Just days earlier, Josefa, Leonberg’s First Mayor, had announced her candidacy for higher office. In the wake of Harald’s death, she suspended all campaign activities and took a break from social media.Still, she confirmed her intention to resume the campaign: “That would also be in my husband’s wishes.” Pregnant and due in July, she emphasized her need for “time and peace” to grieve and prepare for her son’s birth.

Their relationship began in 2023 in Stuttgart and grew from quiet affection into a deep bond. Harald, a diamond dealer with ties to Namibia and the Taunus region, married Josefa privately in September 2024 in her hometown of Kollnburg.That ceremony marked a personal milestone for Josefa, long known for her fearless political career and now holding the title of Princess of Hohenzollern-Emden. At 51, she remains a formidable figure, often dubbed the “Joan of Arc of the Bavarian Forest.”

Her career includes stints as mayor of Kollnburg, work with Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, and election to the Böblingen district council. She’s weathered political storms, public scrutiny, and personal trials with resilience.Harald’s death ends a chapter of quiet companionship and shared ambition. But Josefa’s journey—marked by strength, service, and now single motherhood—continues, shaped by both loss and legacy.