Prince Frederick succumbs to POLG mitochondrial disease after long health battle
Prince Frederick of Luxembourg passed away at the age of 22 due to complications from POLG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that deprives the body’s cells of energy, leading to multiple organ failure.
The young prince lived in Switzerland and was the son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, a cousin of Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
Frederick passed away on March 1 following a prolonged health battle with POLG mitochondrial disease.
Understanding POLG mitochondrial disease
POLG mitochondrial disease is a genetic condition that progressively robs the body’s cells of energy, leading to organ dysfunction and eventual failure.
The disease can affect multiple organs, including the brain, liver, intestines, muscles, and swallowing functions, often proving fatal.
Royal family mourns Prince Frederick’s passing
Prince Robert shared an emotional tribute to his son through the POLG Foundation, a website founded by Frederick to raise awareness and fund research for treatments and a cure for the disorder.
Frederick was born with the disease but was formally diagnosed at age 14, when his symptoms became more pronounced.
“It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik,” the statement read.
The statement detailed Frederick’s final moments, revealing that on February 28, Rare Disease Day, he gathered his loved ones to say goodbye.
“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.”
Even in his final moments, Frederick kept his sense of humor, leaving his family with a final joke to lift their spirits.
Prince Frederick’s life and legacy
Born in Aix-en-Provence, France, Prince Frederick lived in London before moving to Switzerland in 2004.
His legacy lives on through the POLG Foundation, continuing his mission to find effective treatments and a cure for the disease that took his life.