Prince Frederik of Luxembourg’s Final Days: Filmmaker Remembers 22-Year-Old’s Battle with a Rare Disease

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg’s Final Days: Prince Frederik was born on March 1 in Paris at the age of 22 after a lifelong battle against POLG mitochondrial disease-the son of Prince Robert and Princess Julie of Nassau.

An emotional statement regarding the same was put up by the family on the official website of the POLG Foundation. "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," Prince Robert wrote.

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Frederik was diagnosed with POLG mitochondrial disease at 14, following many years of puzzling health issues. The rare genetic disorder interferes with energy production by the body, thus leading to organ dysfunction.

Frederik spent his life working for research and awareness regarding his condition. He surrounded himself in his final moments by loved ones to say goodbye. "Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn," Prince Robert said. "Even in his last moments, his humour and boundless compassion compelled him to leave us with one last laugh… to cheer us all up."

Prince Robert's youngest son was 15th in the order of succession of Luxembourg. His older siblings, Princess Charlotte (29) and Prince Alexandre (27), admired him for his courage and tenacity.

Frederik had become increasingly ill after pneumonia and a further serious infection over the past few weeks.

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Frederik mustered the energy to stay engaged in those final days, happily noted his father; his alarm was still set to remind him of his next Duolingo lesson in Italian.

His family, struggling with his loss, are holding onto his words. "Go outside when the sun is shining," he had written in a note on his phone.

POLG disease is a genetic disorder characterized by diminished energy production in the body, ultimately resulting in organ failure. Mutation of the POLG and POLG2 genes interferes with mitochondria, which serve as the energy generator for the body. Symptoms greatly vary and might include weak muscles, seizures, and liver failure. The disease has no cure, and its severity worsens over time.

Once thought rare, POLG mitochondrial diseases now affect approximately 1 in 5,000 people across the globe, making the disorder the second most common major genetic disorder following cystic fibrosis.

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