Prince Frederik, the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, has passed away. He was twenty-two years old.
Frederik passed away on March 1 due to the uncommon genetic disorder POLG Mitochondrial disease, as reported by his father in an emotional letter on the POLG Foundation’s website, an organization established by Frederik to seek therapies and a cure for the affliction.
“With profound sorrow, my wife and I wish to announce the death of our son,” Robert, 56, opened his extensive statement.
Frederik recounted that he “summoned us to his room for a final conversation” on “Rare Disease Day,” February 28. He noted that his son “summoned the strength and courage to bid farewell to each of us in succession — his brother, Alexander; his sister, Charlotte; myself; his three cousins, Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; and ultimately, his Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mark.”
“He had already expressed all his sentiments to his remarkable mother, who had remained by his side for 15 years,” Robert added regarding his wife, Julie, 58.
Robert stated that Prince Frederik offered diverse farewells, “some benevolent, some sagacious, some educational,” and, “in quintessential Frederik style, he departed leaving us with a lasting familial jest.”
“Even in his final moments, his humor and boundless compassion motivated him to provide us with one last laugh to uplift our spirits,” the delighted father concluded.
Prince Robert recounted that his “beloved son” posed a final inquiry “before his subsequent comments” prior to his demise: “Papa, are you proud of me?”
“His ability to articulate had been severely diminished for some days, hence the lucidity of his words was as astonishing as the gravity of the situation was significant. Robert stated that the response was exceedingly simple and had been heard numerous times; yet, he sought reinforcement that he had maximally contributed during his brief yet meaningful existence and could now finally proceed.
Robert stated that Frederik is his Superhero, as well as a hero to their family and several friends. He also remarked that his son possesses an extraordinary ability for positivity, enthusiasm, and tenacity.
“In his childhood, I consistently asserted that he was the one child of ours about whom I would never have any concerns,” he continued. He possesses unparalleled social skills, an exceptional sense of humor, extraordinary emotional intelligence and compassion, as well as an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and decency. He had an extraordinary level of discipline and organization.
Robert subsequently remarked that Frederik was “notably obstinate (at times, I might have employed the term stubborn).”
The prince elaborated, “As his siblings and nearly everyone who has encountered him assert, ‘Frederik is the strongest individual we know!'” Frederik battled his illness courageously till the conclusion. His unwavering passion for life drove him through the most arduous physical and mental trials.
Frederik was born with POLG Mitochondrial disease, as noted by his father, although his family was unaware of this at the time.
He received a diagnosis at age 14, “when his symptoms became more pronounced and the progression of his disease intensified.”
The POLG Foundation describes the condition as a genetic mitochondrial disorder that deprives the body’s cells of energy, resulting in gradual malfunction and failure of various organs, including the brain, nerves, liver, intestines, muscles, swallowing, and ocular functions.
Although Robert characterized Frederick’s illness as a “burden he had to bear throughout his life,” the royal, a first cousin of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, stated that his son consistently approached challenges “with grace and humor” and expressed immense pride in his contributions to the POLG Foundation.
Robert urged readers of the tribute to contribute or work with the organization in honor of his deceased son.
The death of Prince Frederik at the age of 22 is a tragic loss. His fortitude, wit, and commitment to the POLG Foundation have a profound influence. Remain informed about this narrative and others—visit our website for further information.
