In brief
Frederik, who founded the POLG Foundation, died of complications related to the rare disorder he openly battled since his teens.
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg has sadly passed away at just 22 years old due to POLG disorder, a rare genetic condition he passionately advocated for throughout his life. His father, Prince Robert, confirmed that Frederik passed on March 1 in Paris, following a difficult fight with pneumonia and other infections linked to his illness.Diagnosed with a mutation in his POLG gene at the age of 14, Frederik actively worked to shed light on the mitochondrial disease that affects cellular energy production, estimating that approximately one in 10,000 people are diagnosed with it. This disorder can severely impact multiple organs and result in debilitating symptoms such as seizures and coordination issues.Describing the disease, Prince Robert explained, “One might compare it to having a faulty battery that never fully recharges.” Sir Doug Turnbull, a neurology expert, noted the relentlessly progressive nature of POLG disorder, which affects various systems in the body leading to tragic outcomes.As a founder and creative director of the POLG Foundation, Frederik played an integral role in research initiatives and public awareness campaigns. The foundation utilized his DNA for research and highlighted the disease's impact through advocacy efforts, including a short film and a clothing line he designed to support funding.Frederik was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, and raised in Switzerland. Known for his fun-loving nature, he was an avid fan of “The Office,” watching the series multiple times. In his final moments, he remained thoughtful and connected, requesting his brother, Alexander, to capture a photo of the sunset from his hospital window, where he could see the Eiffel Tower.Prince Frederik was a second cousin to Prince Guillaume, the future heir to the Luxembourg throne. As his family prepares for the generational change in October, memories of Frederik's dreams and aspirations as a child, alongside his poignant reflections on POLG, echo through the sentiments shared by those he inspired.
