Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, a prominent advocate for rare genetic diseases, has died at 22 due to POLG disease, a mitochondrial disorder affecting energy production in cells. Born with a mutation in his POLG gene, Frederik spent his life raising awareness about the condition and its effects on daily life.
Frederik’s unique experience with POLG disease led him to co-found the POLG Foundation, which used his DNA for research and created a clothing line to raise funds for treatment. He also produced a film discussing the disease and shared his own struggles with his family.
According to experts, POLG deficiency is a severe type of mitochondrial disease that progressively attacks multiple organs and systems. Frederik’s family described his final days, where he was hospitalized with pneumonia but still had moments of joy, such as looking at the Eiffel Tower through a hospital window.
Frederik’s brother will take over the throne when their father retires in October, but his death leaves a void in the Luxembourg royal family and raises awareness about POLG disease, which affects approximately one in 10,000 people worldwide.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/10/world/europe/prince-frederik-luxembourg-dead.html