Prince Frederik, son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg (a cousin of Grand Duke Henri), has passed away at the age of 22 after battling a rare illness. His family has honored his memory with a heartfelt tribute.
"It is with a heavy heart that my wife and I inform you of the passing of our son, Frederik, founder and creative director of the POLG Foundation," writes Robert de Luxembourg on the foundation's page. "Frederik passed away on 1 March 2025 in Paris, the City of Light. A light has been extinguished, but so many others remain."
Frederik suffered from a rare condition: POLG mitochondrial disease.
"As with 300 million others worldwide who suffer from similar diseases, POLG is often difficult to recognise, even for doctors. Many families may never know what their loved ones are battling, as these conditions are typically diagnosed only in the later stages,” his family shared.
Frederik was diagnosed at the age of 14, when his symptoms became more pronounced, and the disease had progressed significantly. “POLG disease is incredibly challenging to diagnose because it manifests in so many different ways and affects multiple organ systems. There is no treatment, let alone a cure,” they explained.
“It is a genetic mitochondrial disorder that deprives the body’s cells of energy, leading to the progressive failure of various organs – the brain, nerves, liver, intestines, muscles, as well as essential functions like swallowing and vision. Imagine a faulty battery that never fully recharges, constantly runs on empty, and inevitably loses power.”
Last Friday, 28 February, on the occasion of Rare Disease Day, “our beloved son called us to his room to speak with him one last time. With incredible strength and courage, Frederik said his goodbyes to each of us in turn – his brother Alexander, his sister Charlotte, me, his three cousins Charly, Louis, and Donall, his brother-in-law Mansour, and finally, his aunt Charlotte and his uncle Mark.
He had already shared everything in his heart with his extraordinary mother, who had remained by his side unwaveringly for 15 years. As he bid farewell to each of us – some with kindness, some with wisdom, and others with words of deep reflection – he remained true to himself. And in true Frederik fashion, before leaving us, he shared one last long-standing family joke. Even in his final moments, his humor and boundless compassion shone through. He simply couldn’t let us part without one last laugh… to lift our spirits.”
"As his siblings and so many who knew him say, ‘Frederik is the strongest person we know!’ He fought his illness with unwavering courage until the very end. His indomitable zest for life pushed him to overcome the most challenging physical and mental obstacles. Our cheerful Frederik saw beauty in everything."
"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," his father wrote.
Prince Robert of Luxembourg, born in 1968 at Fischbach Castle, is the grandson of Grand Duchess Charlotte. He and his wife, Princess Julie (58), had three children: Princess Charlotte (29), Prince Alexander (27), and Prince Frederik, who tragically passed away at the age of 22.
Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
