A Royal Life Cut Short: Prince Frederik Passes at Age 22
Luxembourg’s Prince Frederik has died at the tender age of 22 following his battle with an uncommon genetic disorder.
Frederik, the son of Prince Robert (cousin to Grand Duke Henri), was diagnosed with POLG mitochondrial disease at just 14 years old — a condition that depletes energy from the body’s cells, subsequently triggering multiple organ dysfunction and eventual failure.
His family issued an announcement on the website of the POLG Foundation, which the young prince established three years prior to increase awareness about his condition, notifying the public that their cherished prince had departed on March first.
A Legacy Beyond His Years
Despite his brief life, Prince Frederik accomplished remarkable feats that extended far beyond the palace walls. At 19, while managing his deteriorating health, he established the POLG Foundation which has since raised over €3.2 million for research into mitochondrial disorders.
The young royal was also an accomplished pianist, having performed at several charity events across Europe before his condition limited his mobility. His recorded compositions, released digitally in 2023, generated substantial donations for children suffering from rare diseases.
“Frederik refused to be defined by his illness,” shared Princess Amalia, a close family friend. “He completed his education remotely, earning a degree in Humanitarian Studies from the University of Luxembourg with honors—a testament to his intellectual capabilities and determination.”
The prince was also known for his digital advocacy, maintaining a blog that documented his journey with POLG disease, offering hope and guidance to families facing similar challenges. His candid discussions about living with a terminal illness garnered international attention, with medical journals citing his firsthand accounts as valuable resources for understanding patient experiences.
Before his condition progressed, Frederik visited over 15 pediatric hospitals across Europe, bringing comfort to young patients and raising awareness about rare genetic disorders through his royal platform.
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Prince Frederik was merely 22 years of age when he succumbed to his illness
The statement revealed, “On last Friday, February 28th, during ‘Rare Disease Day,’ our cherished son invited us into his chamber for what would be our final conversation.”
According to his father, Frederik addressed his siblings Alexander and Charlotte; his father; his three cousins Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; and lastly, his Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mark. His “remarkable” mother, who had remained by his side continuously for 15 years, had already been granted a separate, intimate discussion.
“After presenting each of us with our individual farewells — some gentle, some sagacious, some guiding — in characteristic Frederik manner, he left us all with a final long-standing family jest. Even in his departing moments, his wit and his limitless empathy drove him to leave us with one last chuckle… to uplift our spirits.”
His father composed a tribute and shared it on the POLG Foundation website
Reportedly, one of Frederik’s final inquiries before his passing was, ‘Papa, are you proud of me?’ To his father, this was an unexpected moment of “lucidity,” as he had struggled to speak coherently for several days prior.
The statement went on to enumerate the “superhero” attributes Frederik had always embodied, such as his natural capacity for “positivity, joy, and determination.” His emotional awareness and empathy were described as simply “exceptional,” and his sense of propriety recognized “no limitations.”
Prince Robert provided the official announcement, “Frederik departed on March 1st, 2025, in Paris, France, the City of Lights. One illumination was extinguished, but countless others endure.
He concluded, “With our Superhero’s assistance, we aspire to transform our profound sorrow into constructive outcomes and thereby follow his unwavering example. His ultimate message embodies hope, compassion, and resilience!
“We are all immensely proud of you, Frederik. I am tremendously proud of you! We love you!”
“I am tremendously proud of you,” the tribute expressed
According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, PolG is a condition that affects the POLG gene, typically impacting numerous organs simultaneously, including the brain, nerves, muscles, and liver. It’s regarded as one of the most prevalent inherited mitochondrial disorders.
Symptoms may manifest anytime between infancy and advanced adulthood, varying significantly among individuals. Several primary indicators for those exhibiting the disease before age 12 include seizures, cognitive decline, nutritional challenges, motor dysfunction, and additional complications.
Tributes poured in following the announcement
