In a heartbreaking announcement, Prince Frederik of Luxembourg has passed away at the young age of 22 after an arduous battle with a rare genetic disorder known as PolG. His parents, Prince Robert and Princess Julie, confirmed the tragic news over the weekend, revealing that he succumbed to the disease on February 28th.

PolG, a mitochondrial disorder, severely affects the body's ability to produce energy. This debilitating condition can lead to a variety of serious complications, including organ failure and the deterioration of functions related to the brain, nerves, liver, intestines, muscles, and eyes. His family shared a poignant statement through the PolG Foundation, the charitable organization he helped establish, expressing that Frederik fought “valiantly until the very end.”

His journey with this rare illness began at birth, but he was only diagnosed at the age of 14, when his symptoms intensified. It is estimated that approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from PolG, with many unaware of their condition due to its complex and often elusive nature. Currently, there are no available treatments or cures for this cruel disorder.

Sir Douglas Turnbull, a renowned professor and member of The POLG Foundation Scientific Advisory Board, referred to PolG as the most severe of mitochondrial diseases, emphasizing its relentless progression and the toll it takes on multiple systems within the body.

Frederik’s mother has been a tireless advocate for PolG research, dedicating 15 years to not only caring for her son but also to galvanizing the global scientific community towards finding treatments for this tragic condition. Under her leadership, the POLG Foundation has funded vital research projects amounting to over $3.6 million since its inception, driving significant advancements in the fight against PolG disease. The foundation has also collaborated with medical organizations worldwide to develop essential data collection tools for drug development and clinical trials, in addition to creating educational materials to raise awareness about the condition.

Frederik’s family fondly remembers his ability to find beauty in the world despite his challenges. A touching memory shared reveals that during a recent hospital stay, he requested to capture a photograph of the sunset outside his small hospital window, marveling at the glittering Eiffel Tower through the mesh screen. His siblings discovered motivational notes he had written to himself, including reminders to embrace the sunshine.

“Go outside when the sun is shining,” one note read, prompting his family to vow to honor his spirit and follow his guidance even as they mourn his loss. The world feels a little dimmer without Frederik, who is survived by his brother Alexander, sister Charlotte, and his loving parents.

As we reflect on the life of this young prince, his legacy will continue to inspire hope and action in the fight against PolG and other mitochondrial diseases, stirring a sense of urgency in the quest for answers and cures. The global community reacts with sorrow, united in their condolences for a life cut so short yet filled with grace, humor, and an indomitable lust for life.