Tributes have poured in for Prince Frederik of Luxembourg - the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau - who has sadly died at the age of 22.
The royal passed away on March 1 in Paris, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with POLG mitochondrial disease — a rare genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, leading to multiple organ failure.
His father, Prince Robert, confirmed the news in an emotional statement shared on the website of the POLG Foundation, an organization Frederik himself founded in hopes of finding treatments and a cure for the condition.
A Life Marked by Strength and Determination
Frederik was diagnosed with POLG mitochondrial disease at the age of 14, after his symptoms became more pronounced. The illness affected his brain, nerves, muscles, and organs.
Despite his health struggles, Frederik dedicated his life to helping others with the same condition. As the founder and creative director of the POLG Foundation, he worked to raise awareness and fund research for a cure.
Prince Robert described his son as someone with an "indomitable lust for life," recalling how Frederik remained strong and full of humor even in his final moments.
On February 28, the prince called his loved ones to his bedside to say goodbye, demonstrating the same grace and courage he had shown throughout his life. “He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years,” Prince Robert said.
"After gifting each of us with our farewells – some kind, some wise, some instructive – in true Frederik fashion, he left us collectively with a final long-standing family joke. Even in his last moments, his humour, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh….to cheer us all up.”"
Frederik’s final question to his father was: “Papa, are you proud of me?”
“He had barely been able to speak for several days, so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound,” Prince Robert shared. “The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times, but at this time, he needed reassurance that he had contributed all that he possibly could in his short and beautiful existence and that he could now finally move on.”
Tributes to a Young Royal Gone Too Soon
Frederik’s passing has left a deep void within his family and beyond. His father described him as "a superhero" to all who knew him.
“Frederik was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination,” Prince Robert said. “He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humor, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds.”
The royal family of Luxembourg, along with close friends and supporters, have expressed their grief and admiration for the young prince. Frederik’s legacy as a tireless advocate for those with POLG disease will continue through the foundation he created.
In his father’s final tribute, he made one last request on Frederik’s behalf: that those touched by his story continue to support the foundation he so passionately built.
“Frederik knows he is my superhero, just as he is for our entire family, for many dear friends, and now, thanks to his POLG Foundation, for countless people around the world.”
Prince Frederik’s dedication to raising awareness and helping others will not be forgotten, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Our thoughts go out to Prince Frederik’s loved ones and the nation of Luxembourg at this time.