Overview

• NDR confirmed he died Friday in Hamburg at the age of 88, citing the family, with no cause of death disclosed.
• NDR director Joachim Knuth praised him as a model journalist whose knowledge and tact defined major broadcasts.
• His career spanned Africa correspondence from 1968 to 1976, leadership of ARD’s London studio from 1978, and service as NDR television program director from 1982 to 1989.
• He became Germany’s best‑known expert on European monarchies, fronting series such as “Königshäuser” and “Royalty” and commenting on events from Charles and Diana’s 1981 wedding to William and Kate’s 2011 ceremony.
• Retired in 2002 but active with films and live reports until 2019, he largely withdrew from public life around 2020 and was honored with numerous awards, including the 2011 German Television Award and the Order of the British Empire