Royal Prince Passes Away At Just 22

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, has died at the age of 22. The young royal passed away on March 1 in Paris, France, after a courageous battle with POLG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder.

His father, Prince Robert, who is a first cousin of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, announced the heartbreaking news on the website of the POLG Foundation, the nonprofit organization Frederik helped establish to raise awareness and fund research for the disease.

Frederik’s final moments reflected the remarkable strength and spirit that defined his life. According to his family, on February 28, recognized as Rare Disease Day, he gathered his loved ones to share final words. He spoke with his siblings, Alexander and Charlotte, as well as his extended family before leaving them with one last joke—remaining true to his humor and compassion until the very end.

Prince Robert recalled the final words Frederik asked him: “Papa, are you proud of me?” A question carrying profound weight, it underscored Frederik’s deep desire to contribute meaningfully despite the immense challenges he faced. His father reassured him, as he always had, that Frederik was indeed a source of pride, not just to his family but to the many people he inspired worldwide.

via Royal Family of Luxembourg Instagram

Born with a rare genetic disorder, Frederik was diagnosed with POLG mitochondrial disease at the age of 14. The condition progressively robs the body’s cells of energy, leading to multiple organ failure. Despite the debilitating effects of his illness, Frederik remained determined to live a full and impactful life, establishing the POLG Foundation to support research and awareness.

via POLG Foundation

Frederik’s battle with his disease fueled his advocacy. The POLG Foundation, co-founded with his family, has already raised millions of dollars for research and is making significant strides toward better understanding and treating mitochondrial disorders. In addition to leading the foundation’s creative initiatives, Frederik played an active role in medical research, donating his own DNA to help scientists develop models for studying POLG disease. His passion extended to designing clothing and creating media projects aimed at spreading awareness.

via POLG Foundation

Despite facing immense health challenges, Frederik maintained an infectious zest for life. His family recalled how, even while hospitalized, he would find beauty in the world—such as gazing at the Eiffel Tower’s shimmering lights through a hospital window or urging his brother to capture the sunset.

Frederik is survived by his parents, Prince Robert and Princess Julie, his siblings Alexander and Charlotte, and his extended family. His passing marks a significant loss, not only for Luxembourg’s royal family but for the broader community of those fighting rare diseases.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the POLG Foundation in Frederik’s memory, ensuring that his vision of finding a cure for this devastating disease lives on.

Frederik’s father, Robert, holds the position of first cousin to Luxembourg’s reigning monarch, Grand Duke Henri. He is also 15th in the line of succession to the throne.