Prince Frederik, the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, left behind an enduring legacy following his dying at age 22 this month.
The beloved royal died on March 1 from POLG Mitochondrial illness — a uncommon genetic dysfunction that impacts roughly one in 5,000 folks.
The genetic dysfunction impacts a number of organ programs and the mitochondria, the energy-producing components of cells.
Frederik was identified with the illness on the age of 14 after enduring unexplained signs for years.
In 2022, Frederik based The POLG Basis, a company that researches the illness and searches for a remedy.
Regardless of his brief lifespan, the prince managed to create an inspiring legacy by way of his basis, which his father vows to proceed in his son’s title.
“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, 56, mentioned of his late son.
“Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends and now in great part thanks to his POLG Foundation, to so very many people the world over.”
Regardless of his well being battle, Frederik labored tirelessly to boost consciousness concerning the sickness in a determined bid to assist others.
He then joined forces with designer Donna Karan to develop the MITO clothes line, promoting objects by way of his POLG Basis to boost consciousness and funds.
As well as, Frederik participated in medical trials which helped to develop cell strains for analysis throughout Switzerland, the US and Europe.
His work laid the muse for The POLG Toolbox, an important useful resource for scientists, his proud father mentioned.
“The POLG Foundation, in only three short years, has accomplished so very much, including funding four major research projects, totaling over $3.6 million,” mentioned Robert, the primary cousin of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg.
In the meantime, Frederik’s mom, Princess Julie, had been instrumental in tasking the scientific neighborhood to push ahead with analysis.
Regardless of his struggles, Frederik noticed his sickness as a present and alternative to assist others.
“Speaking to a friend of ours, he told Andrew, ‘I am glad that I am the one who was born with this disease. Even though I’ll die from it… and even if my parents do not have the time to save me, I know that they will be able to save other children,’” Robert mentioned.
Talking about his son’s heartbreaking ultimate moments, Robert revealed that Frederik’s ultimate query to him was, “Papa, are you proud of me?”
Prince Frederik had struggled to talk for “several days” earlier than he died, in line with Robert, “so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound.”
Robert added that his son’s mission in elevating consciousness for the illness will proceed by way of his group.
“With our Superhero’s help, we hope to turn our deep grief into positive results and follow his unwavering example,” he mentioned.
“His ultimate message is one of hope, compassion, and resilience. We are all so very proud of you, Frederik. I am so very proud of you. We love you.”
