Prince Harald von Hohenzollern was a German aristocrat who passed away suddenly at the age of 63 on June 30, 2025. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest while in Windhoek, Namibia, where he was involved in the diamond industry.
Harald was a member of the House of Hohenzollern, a prominent German noble family with historical ties to Brandenburg, Prussia, and the German Empire . Although the monarchy was abolished in Germany in 1918, the Hohenzollern family remains influential, with two main branches: the Prussian line led by Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia, and the Swabian line headed by Karl Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern.
In September 2024, Harald married Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern (née Schmid), a 51-year-old politician and civil servant. The couple met in 2022 at a trade fair and wed in her hometown of Kollnburg, Bavaria. At the time of his death, they were expecting their first child, due in July 2025.
Princess Josefa announced her husband’s passing on social media, expressing profound grief and stating she would step back from her political campaign and public life to mourn and prepare for the arrival of their child.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Heritage
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern was born in 1962 into the Swabian branch of the House of Hohenzollern, a noble family with roots tracing back to the 11th century. The Hohenzollern dynasty has historically provided rulers for regions such as Brandenburg, Prussia, and Romania. Though the monarchy was abolished in Germany in 1918, the family remains a significant figure in German aristocracy.
Parents and Upbringing
Details about Prince Harald’s parents and early upbringing are limited. However, as a member of the Hohenzollern family, he was likely raised with a strong sense of tradition and responsibility. The family’s noble status would have afforded him access to elite education and social circles.
Education and Career
Academic Background
Specific information about Prince Harald’s formal education is not publicly available. Given his noble heritage, it is plausible that he received a private education befitting his status. Such an education would have prepared him for roles in both the family estate and broader societal engagements.
Professional Life
Prince Harald pursued a career in the diamond industry, serving as the managing director of a diamond exploration company in Windhoek, Namibia. His involvement in the diamond sector highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate international business landscapes.
Personal Life
Marriage to Princess Josefa
In September 2024, Prince Harald married Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern (née Schmid), a 51-year-old politician and civil servant. The couple met in 2022 at a trade fair and wed in her hometown of Kollnburg, Bavaria. At the time of his death, they were expecting their first child, due in July 2025.
Princess Josefa announced her husband’s passing on social media, expressing profound grief and stating she would step back from her political campaign and public life to mourn and prepare for the arrival of their child.
Death and Legacy
Sudden Passing
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2025, at the age of 63. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest while in Windhoek, Namibia, where he was involved in the diamond industry. His death came just days before the birth of his first child with Princess Josefa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Prince Harald von Hohenzollern’s cause of death?
Prince Harald died of a sudden cardiac arrest while in Namibia.
When did Prince Harald marry Princess Josefa?
They married in September 2024.
Where was Prince Harald born?
Specific details about his birthplace are not publicly available.
What industry did Prince Harald work in?
He worked in the diamond industry as the managing director of a company in Windhoek, Namibia.
How old was Prince Harald at the time of his death?
He was 63 years old.
Is the House of Hohenzollern still active today?
Yes, the House of Hohenzollern remains a significant figure in German aristocracy.
Did Prince Harald have any children?
He was expecting his first child with Princess Josefa at the time of his death.
Where did Prince Harald pass away?
He passed away in Windhoek, Namibia.
What was Princess Josefa’s reaction to his death?
Princess Josefa expressed profound grief and announced she would step back from her political campaign and public life to mourn and prepare for the arrival of their child.
