In brief
The young prince, who bravely battled POLG disease, leaves behind a legacy through his foundation focused on education and research about the illness.
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, aged 22, has sadly passed away due to a rare genetic disease called POLG disorder, a condition that affects the cells' energy-production ability. He was diagnosed with this disorder at 14, and it significantly impacted his health and lifestyle. Frederik used his experience to advocate for others suffering from POLG, founding the POLG Foundation to raise awareness and fund research. His father, Prince Robert, shared that POLG disease is comparable to a battery that never fully charges, ultimately leading to various health complications.The disease is rare, affecting roughly one in 10,000 individuals, and is known for its progressive nature. Experts, like Sir Doug Turnbull, have described it as particularly severe and relentless.Born in Aix-en-Provence, Frederik grew up in Switzerland and had a passion for creative projects, which included a clothing line that raised funds for his foundation. In his final days, he was hospitalized in Paris, where he remained connected to the outside world by watching the shimmering Eiffel Tower.Frederik was a second cousin to Prince Guillaume, the future Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Despite the challenges posed by his illness, he maintained a positive outlook on life, often reflecting on dreams and aspirations during his journey. His efforts will continue to inspire awareness and research in the field of mitochondrial diseases.
