Prince Frederik of Luxembourg dies at 22 after battling rare genetic disease
He was 22 years old and died from POLG, a rare genetic disease, just a day after Rare Disease Day. Frederik had co-founded the POLG Foundation in 2022 and had served as its creative director.
His father, Prince Robert, shared the heartbreaking news on March 7 through a statement on the POLG Foundation's website.
Before his passing, Frederik had gathered his family in his room on February 28 to speak with them. His father also mentioned that Frederik's last question to him was, 'Papa, are you proud of me?'
'Frederik fought his disease valiantly until the very end,' Robert wrote. 'His indomitable lust for life propelled him through the hardest of physical and mental challenges. Our cheery Frederik saw the beauty in everything.'
Frederik is remembered as a fighter and advocate, inspiring many with his strength. 'Frederik knows that he is my Superhero,' Prince Robert wrote. 'Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example.'
POLG disease is a mitochondrial disorder caused by mutations in the POLG gene, which is essential for cell DNA repair and replication. The disease affects several organs, including the brain, muscles, and liver, and has no cure. It is difficult to diagnose due to its wide-ranging symptoms and lack of awareness.
Frederik was diagnosed with POLG at age 14, and it affects about 1 in 10,000 people globally.
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