In brief
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, who passed away at the young age of 22, was a devoted advocate for those affected by POLG disease, a rare genetic disorder.
Throughout his life, Frederik engaged in significant efforts to raise awareness of POLG—which affects approximately one in 10,000 people—and was the creative director of the POLG Foundation, established to support research and education surrounding the disease. His father, Prince Robert, confirmed his passing on March 1 in Paris after Frederik succumbed to complications related to the condition, including pneumonia.Diagnosed at age 14 with a mutation in his POLG gene—responsible for DNA replication and repair—Frederik became an influential voice for the community impacted by the disorder. POLG, or polymerase gamma disease, is part of a wider group of mitochondrial diseases that disrupt cellular energy production and can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, poor coordination, and organ dysfunction.“Imagine a battery that never fully recharges and constantly loses energy,” explained Prince Robert, highlighting the relentless nature of the disease. According to expert Sir Doug Turnbull, the disorder is progressively debilitating, affecting various bodily systems and leading to tragic outcomes.Besides his advocacy work, Prince Frederik was involved in multiple initiatives, including the design of a clothing line aimed at funding research, and the production of a short film detailing the lived experiences of those with POLG disease. Born in Aix-en-Provence and raised in Switzerland, he was known to be an avid fan of “The Office.”In his final moments, he was hospitalized, battling pneumonia and a serious infection. Though confined, he was able to admire the glow of the Eiffel Tower from his window, a poignant reminder of his connection to his beloved city.Prince Frederik was a second cousin to Prince Guillaume, next in line for the throne of Luxembourg. Their shared ancestry includes Grand Duchess Charlotte, who reigned from 1919 to 1964.Reflecting on his aspirations during a film created by his foundation, Frederik shared, “When you’re a kid, you have all these dreams, all these aspirations… slowly the world is getting smaller and smaller” as he grappled with the effects of POLG disease. His legacy will certainly continue to inspire awareness and research in genetic disorders. Victor Mather, a seasoned journalist with over 25 years at The Times, contributed to this report, focusing on the implications of genetic conditions within familial and societal contexts.
