Prince Frederik of Nassau, the son of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg’s cousin, passed away at the age of 22 on 1 March.
His father, Prince Robert of Luxembourg, announced the news on Saturday via a message on the homepage of the PolG Foundation’s website, which was founded by Frederik.
Prince Frederik said his goodbyes to his family on Friday, 28 February, which coincides with Rare Disease Day.
He had suffered from a mitochondrial disease linked to the POLG gene since birth, although it was only diagnosed when he was 14.
This disease progressively affects the organs, depriving them of the energy needed to function properly. Prince Frederik passed away in Paris.
The foundation he created supports research into this disease, for which there is currently no cure.
In a heartfelt message, Prince Robert paid tribute to his son’s personality, describing him as full of humour and determination.
“His last question to me was, ‘Dad, are you proud of me?’ The answer was very easy, and he had already heard it so many times,” Prince Robert said.
Frederik spent much of his life in Switzerland, but his medical care brought him to Paris, where he moved into an apartment suitable for his treatment.
