From the throne to the grandstand: Remembering a prince and a footy royal
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Australians are mourning the loss of two exceptional men whose lives—though worlds apart—were marked by passion, family, and legacy.
One ruled the commentary box and captured footy fans’ hearts; the other, a European royal,
was preparing for the birth of his first child.
Though their paths never crossed, both leave behind stories of grit, grace, and enduring influence.
Starting his career with West Adelaide, Ian etched his name into SANFL history by kicking the sealer in South Adelaide’s 1964 premiership win —a fitting finale to his playing career, which wrapped up just days after the birth of his second son.
Affectionately known as 'Daisy', Ian quickly became a household name through his pioneering work as a Channel 7 commentator, beginning in 1965.
His warm voice and expert insight made him a central figure in SANFL broadcasts for three decades, working alongside the likes of Bruce McAvaney and Sandy Roberts.
Tributes have poured in since news of his passing broke.
'Saddened to hear of the passing of South Adelaide legend Ian Day aged 90,' said Channel 7’s John Casey. ‘“Daisy” was a pioneer of the Ch7 broadcast team starting a 30-year commentary run in 1965 and setting the standard for all of us who followed. Condolences to Ian’s family and many friends.’
Long-time AFL media manager Patrick Keane called him a 'legend' of the game: 'His voice is a central part of memories for so many in the time he called games. Also a fine rover with West Adelaide and South Adelaide and a key member of the Panthers’ last flag side in 1964 which famously went bottom to top.'
Ian’s family sporting pedigree is impressive. His younger brother Robert also starred for West Adelaide before winning a VFL premiership with Hawthorn in 1971.
Also read: The Dukes of Hazzard actor was found dead at 79, with cause of death unconfirmed
Ian’s son Tim represented Australia in baseball, and the legacy continues with grandsons Sam Day (Gold Coast Suns, now Brisbane Lions) and Will Day (Hawthorn), both making names for themselves in the AFL.
Tragically, Ian’s death comes just months after losing his son Chris, father of Sam, to cancer, a battle that ultimately helped save his brother Tim’s life, who was prompted to get tested and caught early-stage prostate cancer.
Harald had only recently married Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern in September 2024, in her hometown of Kollnburg, Germany. The pair, who met at a trade fair two years earlier, were on the cusp of welcoming their first child when tragedy struck.
Princess Josefa, who is currently running for re-election as mayor of Leonberg and known fondly as the 'singing mayor', announced the heartbreaking news on social media alongside a touching photo tribute.
‘Dear fellow citizens of Leonberg, today I am writing with a heavy heart,’ she posted. ‘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.’
Also read: She lit up our screens (95), he lit up the pitch (61)—now we say goodbye
She added that continuing her campaign would honour Harald’s wishes: ‘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.’
Harald was deeply involved in the diamond industry and was in Namibia for work when he passed. His lineage, the House of Hohenzollern, dates back to 1061 and once ruled parts of Germany and Romania.
Read more: We grew up with his voice on the ABC—and now, we say goodbye together
As the world quietly farewells Ian Day and Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, we pause to honour two men who lived with purpose and left lasting imprints on those around them.
Whether through the roar of a grand final crowd or the quiet dignity of public service and family legacy, both embodied dedication, resilience, and grace. Their stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms—in sport, in heritage, and in the quiet moments that shape a life well lived.
May they both rest in peace.
One ruled the commentary box and captured footy fans’ hearts; the other, a European royal,
was preparing for the birth of his first child.
Though their paths never crossed, both leave behind stories of grit, grace, and enduring influence.
Ian Day: A Football Icon and Voice of the SANFL
South Australian football great Ian Day has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable sporting legacy.Starting his career with West Adelaide, Ian etched his name into SANFL history by kicking the sealer in South Adelaide’s 1964 premiership win —a fitting finale to his playing career, which wrapped up just days after the birth of his second son.
Affectionately known as 'Daisy', Ian quickly became a household name through his pioneering work as a Channel 7 commentator, beginning in 1965.
His warm voice and expert insight made him a central figure in SANFL broadcasts for three decades, working alongside the likes of Bruce McAvaney and Sandy Roberts.
Aussie football legend Ian Day passed away at 90, remembered for his 1964 SANFL premiership win and decades-long commentary career with Channel 7. Image source: X / @AFL_PKeane.
Tributes have poured in since news of his passing broke.
'Saddened to hear of the passing of South Adelaide legend Ian Day aged 90,' said Channel 7’s John Casey. ‘“Daisy” was a pioneer of the Ch7 broadcast team starting a 30-year commentary run in 1965 and setting the standard for all of us who followed. Condolences to Ian’s family and many friends.’
Long-time AFL media manager Patrick Keane called him a 'legend' of the game: 'His voice is a central part of memories for so many in the time he called games. Also a fine rover with West Adelaide and South Adelaide and a key member of the Panthers’ last flag side in 1964 which famously went bottom to top.'
Ian’s family sporting pedigree is impressive. His younger brother Robert also starred for West Adelaide before winning a VFL premiership with Hawthorn in 1971.
Also read: The Dukes of Hazzard actor was found dead at 79, with cause of death unconfirmed
Ian’s son Tim represented Australia in baseball, and the legacy continues with grandsons Sam Day (Gold Coast Suns, now Brisbane Lions) and Will Day (Hawthorn), both making names for themselves in the AFL.
Tragically, Ian’s death comes just months after losing his son Chris, father of Sam, to cancer, a battle that ultimately helped save his brother Tim’s life, who was prompted to get tested and caught early-stage prostate cancer.
Prince Harald: A Sudden Farewell Before New Life Begins
In a separate tragedy, Prince Harald von Hohenzollern, a 63-year-old German aristocrat with ties to the historic Hohenzollern dynasty, has died suddenly of a heart attack in Namibia — just days before the birth of his first child.Harald had only recently married Princess Josefa von Hohenzollern in September 2024, in her hometown of Kollnburg, Germany. The pair, who met at a trade fair two years earlier, were on the cusp of welcoming their first child when tragedy struck.
Prince Harald von Hohenzollern died suddenly at 63 from a heart attack in Namibia, just days before the birth of his first child. Image source: Facebook / Josefa Von Hohenzollern.
Princess Josefa, who is currently running for re-election as mayor of Leonberg and known fondly as the 'singing mayor', announced the heartbreaking news on social media alongside a touching photo tribute.
‘Dear fellow citizens of Leonberg, today I am writing with a heavy heart,’ she posted. ‘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.’
Also read: She lit up our screens (95), he lit up the pitch (61)—now we say goodbye
She added that continuing her campaign would honour Harald’s wishes: ‘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.’
Harald was deeply involved in the diamond industry and was in Namibia for work when he passed. His lineage, the House of Hohenzollern, dates back to 1061 and once ruled parts of Germany and Romania.
Read more: We grew up with his voice on the ABC—and now, we say goodbye together
Whether through the roar of a grand final crowd or the quiet dignity of public service and family legacy, both embodied dedication, resilience, and grace. Their stories remind us that greatness comes in many forms—in sport, in heritage, and in the quiet moments that shape a life well lived.
May they both rest in peace.
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Vale Harald 
