5 Shocking Facts About Princess Josefa Von Hohenzollern: The 'Singing Mayor' Who Faced A Royal Tragedy

The life of Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, a German politician and member of the historic House of Hohenzollern, is a compelling modern-day story blending royal lineage, local politics, and profound personal tragedy. As of December 2025, the Princess is navigating a challenging period, having recently welcomed her first child, Prince Leopold, just weeks after the sudden death of her husband, Prince Harald von Hohenzollern. This article provides the most current and in-depth look at the woman known affectionately as the "Singing Mayor" of Leonberg, detailing her biography, public career, and the recent events that have captured international attention.

Currently, Princess Josefa is focused on her role as mayor while also grieving the loss of her husband and caring for her newborn son. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, balancing the demands of public office with the heartbreak of a private life.

Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern: Complete Biography and Profile

Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern, born Josefa Schmid, has carved out a unique path that merges local Bavarian roots with a connection to one of Germany's most historically significant royal houses. Her background as a local politician and her unexpected marriage to a member of the Hohenzollern family make her a fascinating figure in contemporary German public life.

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• Full Name at Birth: Josefa Schmid
• Full Married Name: Josefa Prinzessin von Hohenzollern-Emden
• Date of Birth: January 12, 1974
• Age: 51 (as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Viechtach, Bavaria, Germany
• Spouse: Prince Harald von Hohenzollern (m. September 2024; d. 2025 at age 63)
• Children: Prince Leopold (born late 2025)
• Primary Residence: Leonberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Political Role: Mayor (Bürgermeisterin) of Leonberg
• Nickname: The "Singing Mayor" (Die singende Bürgermeisterin)
• Royal House: House of Hohenzollern (by marriage)

The Political Career and the 'Singing Mayor' Nickname

Before her marriage, Josefa Schmid was already a well-known figure in German politics, particularly in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Her political career is marked by a dedication to local governance and a distinctive public persona that earned her a unique moniker.

A Dedicated Mayor in Leonberg

Princess Josefa serves as the Mayor of Leonberg, a city in the Baden-Württemberg state of Germany. Her role as mayor is a significant political position, requiring her to manage the city's administration, public services, and local development. Her commitment to the community is evident in her recent activities, as she was actively running for re-election even amidst profound personal grief.

The political landscape in Germany, particularly at the municipal level, often requires a deep, personal connection with constituents. Josefa von Hohenzollern's tenure has been characterized by this level of engagement, making her a popular figure among the local populace.

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The Origin of 'Die Singende Bürgermeisterin'

The Princess is known locally and across Germany as the "Singing Mayor." This unusual nickname stems from her deep love of music and her tendency to perform at public engagements and social events. She has been known to share her musical talents, a trait that has endeared her to many and provided a human, approachable dimension to her political office. This blend of serious governance and artistic expression makes her public image unique among German politicians.

A Modern Royal Romance and Sudden Tragedy

The Princess's personal life took a dramatic turn with her marriage to Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, a union that brought her into the orbit of one of Europe's oldest royal dynasties. Their relationship, however, was tragically cut short by an unexpected event.

The Unexpected Royal Connection

Josefa Schmid met Prince Harald von Hohenzollern at a trade fair, an unexpectedly modern setting for a royal romance. They married in September 2024 in Josefa's hometown of Kollnburg. Prince Harald, who worked in the diamond industry, was a member of the historic House of Hohenzollern. The Hohenzollerns are a former German royal dynasty with roots tracing back to the 11th century, once ruling Brandenburg, Prussia, and the German Empire.

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Despite the Prince's impressive lineage, the couple's relationship was described as a very modern love story, highlighting the contemporary nature of European minor royalty.

Heartbreak and the Birth of Prince Leopold

The couple's happiness was shattered by the sudden death of Prince Harald in 2025. The 63-year-old Prince died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest while on a work trip in Namibia. This profound loss occurred just days before the birth of their first child, a devastating event that garnered widespread media attention.

Princess Josefa shared her heartbreak on social media, announcing her husband's death only nine months after their wedding. In a bittersweet turn of events, just over a month after announcing the tragedy, the Princess welcomed their son, Prince Leopold. The birth of Prince Leopold provided a ray of light during a period of intense mourning, solidifying Josefa's role as a single mother and a public servant facing immense personal challenges.

The Hohenzollern Legacy and Josefa's Future

Princess Josefa's connection to the House of Hohenzollern, while through marriage, places her within a significant historical context. The family's legacy continues to resonate in Germany, and her son, Prince Leopold, represents the next generation of this storied lineage.

The House of Hohenzollern is divided into several branches, including the Swabian branch (Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen) and the Prussian branch. Although the monarchy was abolished in Germany, the titles are still used as courtesy titles, and the family retains a prominent social and cultural standing. Josefa's marriage connects her to this enduring aristocratic tradition.

Her immediate future involves a continuation of her political career in Leonberg, where she is seeking re-election, and raising her son, Prince Leopold. She has publicly stated her intention to step back from some public engagements and social media to focus on her family and grief. Her resilience in balancing the demands of being a dedicated mayor, a grieving widow, and a new mother makes Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern a figure of immense public interest and admiration.