The royal family of Luxembourg is in mourning following the passing of Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, who died at the age of 22 due to complications from a rare mitochondrial disease known as POLG.
The young prince had been battling the incurable condition since he was 14 years old and dedicated part of his life to raising awareness about the disease, having founded the POLG Foundation in 2022.
Final moments and family farewell
The announcement of his death was made by the family on March 1 via the foundation’s website. The statement revealed that Frederik passed away on February 28 in Paris, on Rare Disease Day, surrounded by his loved ones.
“Our beloved son called us to his room to speak with us one last time. Frederik found the strength and courage to say goodbye to each of us (…). Even in his final moments, his limitless humor and compassion compelled him to leave us with one last laugh,” the family declared.
The prince bid farewell individually to his parents, siblings, and other loved ones, leaving messages of love and wisdom, as well as one final joke, showcasing the good humor that remained with him until his last moments.
The battle against POLG disease
Frederik was diagnosed with the mitochondrial POLG disease at the age of 14, when symptoms began to manifest more intensely. The disorder affects multiple organs and has no cure or treatment, progressively impairing vital functions such as the brain, nerves, liver, muscles, and vision.
According to the family, the condition can be compared to a defective battery that never fully recharges, constantly depleting the body’s energy until organ failure occurs.
Despite these challenges, Frederik used his influence to raise awareness and fund research on the disease, becoming one of the key advocates in the search for treatments for the genetic disorder.
Legacy and continuation of research
The royal family expressed their gratitude to the scientific and medical community that accompanied Frederik throughout the years and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the projects he initiated through the POLG Foundation.
“With the help of our superhero, we hope to turn our deep sorrow into positive outcomes and thus follow his unwavering example,” the family stated. “His final message is one of hope, compassion, and resilience! We are all so proud of you, Frederik… We love you!”
Prince Frederik’s legacy remains an inspiration for those battling rare genetic diseases, reinforcing the need for research and scientific advancement in the pursuit of treatments and a cure.
Source and images: Instagram @royalsofluxembourg. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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