Prince Frederik of Luxembourg died at the age of 22 last month for a rare genetic disorder, Prince Robert and Princess Julie confirmed during the weekend.
The Royal young man died on February 28 after a long battle with Polg, a genetic mitochondrial disease that inhibits the body's ability to produce energy, and can lead to organic failure, among other serious complications, including the deterioration of the brain, nerve, liver, intestinal, muscular and ocular.
In a statement published on the website of the POLG Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the late Prince, their parents said Frederik fought “bravely until the end. “
“His indomitable lust for life promoted him through the most difficult physical and mental challenges,” he continued, that his family says he fought with “grace” and “humor.”
Frederik was born with the disease, but was only diagnosed at age 14, when it had become a more acute stage and the symptoms began to occur.
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There are 300 million people with Polg worldwide, many of whom do not know that they have the disorder, since it can be very difficult to diagnose. There is currently no treatment or cure.
“One could compare it with having a defective battery that is never completely recharged, it is in a constant state of exhaustion and finally loses energy,” the statement explained.
Sir Douglas Turnbull, professor and member of the scientific advisory board of the POLG Foundation, cited Polg as the worst of all mitochondrial diseases.
“I have literally cared for hundreds of patients with mitochondrial disease and there are little doubt that of all mitochondrial diseases, Polg deficiency is the worst. It is so relentlessly progressive, attacking so many different systems with unfortunately the same conclusion, ”he said.
The statement also accredited Frederik's mother for “working carelessly” for 15 years to take care of his son and for his continuous efforts to instill an emergency feeling in the global scientific community to create treatments for fatal disease.
“Beyond this tireless work, his mother attended, organized and encouraged worldwide conferences to encourage progress and collaboration in Polg's investigation,” said the statement.
In the three years since its establishment, the POLG Foundation has financed four important projects for a total of more than $ 3.6 million, stimulating research activity in the field. It has also been associated with medical organizations from around the world to create data collection tools for drug development and clinical trials, and is creating multiple films, including a series of cartoons, to educate and spread the awareness of the disorder.
The family accredits Fredrik for his ability to see “beauty in everything.” During a recent stay at the hospital, Frederik's brother, Alexander, recalls the request of his late brother to take a photograph of sunset through a small window in the hospital.
“Through the small mesh cover window, the Eiffel tower saw shining with its dance of lights per hour,” says the statement.
Similarly, written on his phone, the family found notes that Frederik had written to himself.
“It comes out when the sun shines,” said one.
“We will strive to follow their instructions, especially now that everything feels a bit more cold and dark in its absence,” the statement concluded.
Frederik survives his brother Alexander, his sister Charlotte and his two parents.
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