Prince Frederik Dead - Luxembourg Royal Dies at 22: Read His Father Prince Robert's Emotional Statement

Prince Frederik has tragically passed away.

The youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau sadly passed on March 1, his father confirmed in a message posted on the POLG Foundation website.

“It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik,” he began.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Last Friday, February 28th, on ‘Rare Disease Day,’ our beloved son called us in to his room to speak to him for one last time. Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye 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 Uncle Mark. He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years. 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,” he continued.

“Frederik’s last question to me, prior to his other remarks 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. 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.”

Click here to keep reading the emotional statement in full.

Frederik had the rare genetic condition POLG Mitochondrial disease. The POLG Foundation was founded by Frederik to help find treatments and a cure for the illness.

Frederik was born with POLG Mitochondrial disease, and was later diagnosed at age 14, “when his symptoms were showing more clearly and when the progression of his disease had become more acute,” his father explained.

The disease, according to the POLG Foundation, “is a genetic mitochondrial disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ (brain, nerves, liver, intestines, muscles, swallowing and ocular function, etc.) dysfunction and failure.”

Click here for more about the organization.

Our thoughts are with Prince Frederik‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.