Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, a valiant warrior against a rare genetic adversary known as POLG mitochondrial disease, has passed away after a lifelong struggle. His family announced his demise on March 1, 2025, in Paris, via the POLG Foundation's website, an endeavor he passionately initiated in 2022. In a poignant message, his father, Prince Robert of Luxembourg, penned, "With hearts heavy beyond measure, my wife and I mournfully inform you of the loss of our beloved son, Frederik, the visionary founder and creative director of the POLG Foundation."
The foundation eloquently characterizes POLG as a genetic mitochondrial disorder that strips cells of their vitality, precipitating a gradual decline in multiple organ functions, ultimately leading to failure. It underscores the harsh reality that this condition remains untreatable and incurable.
"Frederik, alongside the POLG Foundation, tirelessly pursued the quest for therapies and a cure, driven by a profound desire to spare others the anguish our family has endured," Prince Robert continued.
Tragically, Prince Frederik's journey concluded just a day after Rare Disease Day, in the bloom of his early twenties. In spite of his condition, he mustered immense strength and courage to bid farewell to each of his loved ones – his brother Alexander, sister Charlotte, his father, his three cousins Charly, Louis, and Donall, his brother-in-law Mansour, and lastly, his aunt Charlotte and uncle Mark.
Prince Robert's tribute painted a vivid picture of Frederik's indomitable spirit: "Frederik was a paragon of discipline and organization. On Friday, the eve of his passing, his Italian Duolingo lessons and exercise reminders chirped as they had on any ordinary day."
Diagnosed with POLG at the tender age of 14, Frederik faced a myriad of symptoms affecting numerous organ systems, rendering the diagnosis challenging and the treatment elusive. "For 300 million souls worldwide who share Frederik's plight, these diseases often elude even medical professionals, leaving families in the dark until the condition's advanced stages," Prince Robert lamented. "Imagine a perpetually depleted battery, never fully recharging, gradually losing its power."
Frederik had expressed profound gratitude for his role in shedding light on this condition. Recently uncovered was a heartfelt confession to a close confidant, unknown to his family until now: "I am grateful to be the one born with this burden. Though it will claim my life... and even if my parents cannot save me, I know they will pave the way for other children's salvation."
Despite his steadfast refusal to let POLG define him, Prince Frederik dedicated himself to raising awareness. He actively participated in medical trials, driven by the ambition to discover treatments and potentially repurpose molecules to alleviate the suffering of fellow patients. "On March 1, 2025, in the City of Lights, Paris, one beacon dimmed, yet countless others continue to shine," the statement concluded poignantly.
