The nation of Luxembourg mourns the loss of Prince Frederik, who passed away at the age of 22 following his long battle with POLG Mitochondrial disease. He died on March 1, 2025, in Paris, just one day after he gathered his family to say goodbye, the heartbreaking news was shared by his father, Prince Robert of Luxembourg.
POLG Mitochondrial disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the progressive failure of multiple organs as it robs the body’s cells of energy. Diagnosed at the young age of 14, Frederik's condition led to numerous challenges, but throughout his life, he maintained strength and positivity. On February 28, 2025, just before his passing, he called upon family members to his bedside for what would become some of the last moments with him.
“It is with a very heavy heart... of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik,” Prince Robert wrote, detailing the emotional farewell Frederik had with his family. He recalled how his son found the courage to say goodbye to each family member, including his brother Alexander, sister Charlotte, and even his three cousins. Each farewell was framed with kindness and wisdom, leaving behind lasting, cherished memories.
During these final moments, Frederik asked his father, “Papa, are you proud of me?” which Prince Robert described as both surprising and significant, considering his son's struggles with communication prior to this moment. “The clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was powerful,” remarked Prince Robert, expressing the deep bond and life lessons shared between father and son.
Born on March 22, 2002, Prince Frederik spent the early years of his life moving between France, London, and Geneva, ensuring his rich family heritage remained intertwined with his upbringing. His formative years were spent at the International School in Geneva, and he attended Ecole Eden and St. George’s School, where he began developing his extraordinary social skills.
Frederik founded the POLG Foundation in 2022 to raise awareness and seek treatments for the disease he valiantly faced, sharing his story to help others avoid similar suffering. Prince Robert noted, “Frederik knows he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends,” adding how Frederik’s natural ability to inspire others through his life and struggles helped him lead the foundation.
Frederik’s personality was marked by immense compassion and joy. His father fondly remembered saying, “If there is one child of ours I would never need to worry about, it was him.” Prince Robert also highlighted Frederik’s discipline and organization: “He was disciplined and organized beyond belief.” The affection shared between Frederik and his family showed clearly through his last words, which left them with renewed strength even amid sorrow.
The emotional narrative was enriched by Frederik’s resolute spirit, described as “headstrong” and “particularly unyielding” as he battled his illness. He once reflected, “I am glad I am the one who was born with this disease, even though I’ll die from it… I know my parents will help save other children.” It captures not only his resilience but also his ability to make light of his difficult situation.
Prince Robert continued, “Frederik fought valiantly until the very end,” explaining how his son’s indomitable energy enabled him to cope with the harsh realities of his condition. His determination to help others echo through his philanthropic work, as he contributed to medical trials aimed at finding treatments and repurposing molecules to aid patients afflicted with POLG.
Frederik's life, brief yet impactful, was hailed as both beautiful and meaningful. His family members, each deeply connected to his story, are left with fond memories of his hypnotic laughter and remarkable humor. Most poignantly, he pushed his family to see their value, even on the toughest days, emphasizing, “Even in his last moments, his humor, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh… to cheer us all up.”
With his passing, Prince Robert urged readers to support the POLG Foundation, emphasizing the need for more awareness and research funding. He stated, “We encourage you to donate or volunteer in memory of my son,” pointing toward Frederik’s legacy, which remains alive through the reluctance to let his disease dictate his identity.
This tribute to Prince Frederik of Luxembourg serves as both an acknowledgment of loss and the celebration of his life. The prince’s legacy shines brightly as his family continues to honor his efforts to advocate for the millions suffering from similar conditions worldwide. The light of his life may have extinguished, but his influence and spirit will reverberate through time.