Prince Frederik of Luxembourg has passed away after bravely fighting a rare genetic condition called POLG mitochondrial disease.
His family shared the sad news on March 1, through the website of the POLG Foundation, which Frederik established in 2022.
“It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I announce the passing of our son, Frederik, the Founder and Creative Director of the POLG Foundation,” wrote his father, Prince Robert of Luxembourg.
The foundation explains POLG as a genetic disorder that drains energy from the body’s cells, leading to serious issues in multiple organs. Sadly, there are no known cures or treatments for this condition.
“Frederik and the POLG Foundation are dedicated to finding therapies and a cure to help others avoid what our family has endured,” his father added.
Frederik died just a day after Rare Disease Day at the young age of 21.
Despite his illness, he showed immense strength and took the time to say goodbye to his loved ones: his brother Alexander, sister Charlotte, and many others close to him.
He was known for being disciplined and organized. On the day before he died, he kept to his routine, setting alarms for his Italian lessons and workouts.
Diagnosed with POLG at 14, Frederik faced many challenges. The disease presents various symptoms and can affect multiple organs, making it tough to diagnose. Many people, like Frederik, often go undiagnosed for years.
His father compared the disease to a battery that never fully charges and eventually runs out of power, impacting daily life.
Despite his struggles, Frederik expressed gratitude for his condition. He once told a friend, “I’m glad I was born with this disease. Even though I know it will take my life, I hope it leads to saving other children.”
Frederik didn’t want his disease to define him, yet he dedicated himself to raising awareness about POLG. He participated in medical trials, hoping to discover new treatments for himself and others facing similar challenges.
Prince Frederik died on March 1, 2025, in Paris, France. While one light has gone out, his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched.
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