Luxembourg’s Prince Frederik passed away at the age of 22 after battling a rare illness called POLG Mitochondrial disease. His father, Prince Robert, shared the news of his son’s death through an Instagram post and a blog post on The POLG Foundation’s website. Frederik passed away surrounded by his family, including his siblings and cousins, after saying his goodbyes to each of them on Rare Disease Day.
In his final days, Frederik had a heartfelt conversation with his father, asking him if he was proud of him. Despite his struggle to speak, Frederik needed reassurance that he had lived a fulfilling life and could now let go. This emotional moment highlighted the close bond between father and son and the strength and compassion that Frederik possessed even in his final moments.
Frederik was born with POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s cells’ energy, leading to organ dysfunction and failure. Despite only receiving a diagnosis at the age of 14, Frederik went on to establish The POLG Foundation three years ago to support research for effective treatments and a cure for POLG mitochondrial disorders. His legacy lives on through the foundation, which continues to work towards finding solutions for this rare disease.
Prince Robert honored Frederik’s memory by sharing touching family photos of his son alongside his statement. The photos captured moments of joy and togetherness between Frederik and his siblings and even his loyal canine companion, Mushu. These images serve as a tribute to Frederik’s life and the impact he had on those around him, showing the love and support that surrounded him during his battle with his illness.
The passing of Prince Frederik has mourned by the Luxembourg royal family and the community at large. His death at such a young age is a somber reminder of the challenges faced by those with rare diseases and the importance of continued research and support for finding treatments and cures. Frederik’s courage and resilience in the face of his illness have left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to work towards improving the lives of those affected by similar conditions.
As the news of Prince Frederik’s death spreads, the outpouring of sympathy and support from friends, family, and well-wishers reflects the impact he had on those around him. His memory will be cherished by those who knew him, and his contributions through The POLG Foundation will continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by POLG Mitochondrial disease. The loss of Prince Frederik is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones. May his legacy inspire others to pursue advancements in rare disease research and support those facing similar challenges.
