Prince Frederik of Luxembourg Died at the age of 22 last month from a rare genetic disorder, Prince Robert and Princess Julie confirmed his parents during the weekend.
The young Royal died on February 28 after a long battle with PolgA genetic mitochondrial disease that inhibits the body’s ability to produce energy and can cause organic insufficiency among other serious complications, including the deterioration of brain, nervous, hepatic, intestinal, muscle and ocular function.
In a statement published on the website of the POLG Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the late Prince, his parents said that Frederik had fought “valiant until the end. “”
“His indomitable thirst for life propelled him through the hardest and mental challenges,” he continued, those that his family says that he fought with “grace” and “humor”.
Frederik was born with the disease but was only diagnosed at 14, when he had turned into a more acute stage and the symptoms began to arise.
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There are 300 million people with polng worldwide, many of whom ignore that they have trouble because it can be very difficult to diagnose. There is currently no treatment or remedy.
“We could compare it to a defective battery which never completely recharges, is in a constant state of exhaustion and possibly loses electricity,” said the press release.
Sir Douglas Turnbull, professor and member of the scientific advisory council of the POLG Foundation, quoted Polg as the worst of all mitochondrial diseases.
“I literally treated hundreds of patients with mitochondrial disease and there is no doubt that all mitochondrial diseases, polg deficiency is the worst. He is so progressive tirelessly, attacker so many different systems with unfortunately the same conclusion, “he said.
The declaration also credited Frederik’s mother for “tirelessly worked” for 15 years to take care of her son and for his continuous efforts to instill a sense of urgency in the global scientific community to create treatment for deadly disease.
“Beyond this tireless work, his mother attended, organized animated conferences around the world to encourage advancement and collaboration in POLG research,” the statement said.
In the three years which followed its creation, the POLG Foundation funded four major projects totaling more than $ 3.6 million, which in turn stimulated research activity in the field. He also joined forces with medical organizations from around the world to create data collection tools for the development of drugs and clinical trials, and creates several films, including a series of cartoons, to educate and make disorder known.
The family attributes to Fredrik of its ability to see “beauty in everything”. During a recent stay in the hospital, Frederik’s brother Alexander recalls the request of his late brother to take a photo of the sunset through a small window in the hospital.
“Thanks to the small covered with mesh window, he saw the Eiffel Tower shine from his hourly dance of light,” said the press release.
Likewise, written on his phone, the family found notes that Frederik had written.
“Go outside when the sun shines,” said one of them.
“We will endeavor to follow his instructions, especially now that everything feels a little colder and darker in his absence,” concluded the press release.
Frederik is survived by his brother Alexander, his sister Charlotte and his two parents.
& Copy 2025 Global News, A Division of Corus Entertainment Inc.