The young royal, diagnosed with POLG mitochondrial disease at 14, bid farewell to his family with love, wisdom, and humor in his final moments.
Luxembourg City [Luxembourg], March 11: Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, the 22-year-old son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, has passed away after battling POLG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems and has no known cure.
Frederik was diagnosed with POLG disease at the age of 14, after his symptoms became more pronounced. The condition depletes the body’s cellular energy, leading to progressive organ dysfunction and failure.
A Brave Goodbye
In a heartfelt statement, Prince Robert revealed that Frederik bid farewell to his loved ones on February 28, which coincided with Rare Disease Day. Despite his condition, Frederik faced his final moments with courage, humor, and love, ensuring his family’s last memory of him was filled with warmth and laughter.
“Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn—his brother, Alexander; his sister, Charlotte; me; his three cousins, Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; and finally, his Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mark,” Prince Robert shared.
“Even in his last moments, his humor and boundless compassion compelled him to leave us with one last laugh… to cheer us all up.”
A Life Marked by Passion and Resilience
Born in Aix-en-Provence, France, Frederik spent his early years in London, Geneva, and Montreux. He attended St. George’s School in Clarens, where he developed a passion for music, film, television, gastronomy, nature, photography, and art.
His love for music earned him the nickname “the human jukebox”, while his curiosity led him to work with a major production company reviewing scripts.
A Battle Against an Unforgiving Disease
POLG mitochondrial disease is a genetic disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to produce energy, leading to progressive neurological, muscular, and organ deterioration.
“One might compare it to having a faulty battery that never fully recharges, is in a constant state of depletion, and eventually loses power,” Prince Robert explained.
Despite the severity of his condition, Frederik’s treatment journey spanned the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland. His primary care was provided by experts at Necker Children’s Hospital and The Imagine Institute in Paris.
Due to frequent hospitalizations, the family arranged for a fully equipped medical apartment in Paris, ensuring Frederik received the best possible care while maintaining a sense of home.
A Family’s Gratitude and Tribute
Prince Robert and his family expressed their gratitude to the physicians, caregivers, and medical professionals who dedicated themselves to Frederik’s well-being.
Frederik’s resilience and compassion left a lasting impression on those who knew him, with his family remembering him as a brilliant and kind-hearted soul who faced life’s challenges with strength and dignity.
Tags: Prince Frederik, Luxembourg Royal Family, POLG Disease, Mitochondrial Disorder, Rare Diseases, Royal News, Genetic Disorders, International News
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