Prince Harald von Hohenzollern has died suddenly from cardiac arrest at the age of 63, just days before his wife was due to give birth to their first child.
The German aristocrat died in Windhoek, Namibia, where he was working in the diamond industry.
His wife, Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, 51, who is running for re-election as mayor of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, announced the tragic news on Instagram.
The couple had married just nine months ago in September 2024, and their first child is due to be born in July.
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern has died just days before the expected birth of his first child
Facebook: Josefa von Hohenzollern
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Princess Josefa began: "Dear fellow citizens of Leonberg, today I am writing with a heavy heart.
"My beloved husband Harald V. Hohenzollern died quite unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac death. This loss hits me very deep.
"I need time to grieve, say goodbye and be there for our unborn child. That's why I will be stepping back from campaigning and social media in the coming days."
The princess added: "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."
Princess Josefa shared a compilation of photos along with her announcement
Instagram: Josefa von Hohenzollern
Her announcement was shared to social media alongside a compilation of photos.
The couple had wed in Josefa's hometown of Kollnburg after meeting at a trade fair two years earlier.
Josefa became a princess upon marrying Prince Harald, who belonged to the House of Hohenzollern, a former royal German dynasty dating back to 1061.
The dynasty has historical ties to Hohenzollern, Brandenburg, Prussia, the German Empire and Romania.
Prince Harald is of the same extended family of the last German Emperor, Wilhelm II
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Though the royal house was overthrown during the German Revolution following World War I, two branches remain in the aristocracy.
Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia, leads the formerly royal Prussian line, whilst Karl Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern, heads the formerly princely Swabian line.
Despite her loss, Princess Josefa told a local newspaper she intends to continue with her candidacy in the upcoming election, stating it would be "in my husband's best interests".
Known as the "singing mayor" for her love of music and participation in cultural events, Josefa has served as First Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Leonberg since May 2021.
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Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern is running for re-election as mayor of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg
Instagram: Josefa von Hohenzollern
She secured the position after being elected as the only remaining candidate, receiving 17 of 33 votes in the municipal council for an eight-year term.
However, her tenure faced challenges, and she was placed on leave by Mayor Martin Cohn in June 2023 following months of political conflict.
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