Prince Frédéric de Nassau of Luxembourg has passed away at the age of 22. He suffered from a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the POLG gene. This disease affects multiple organs, primarily the brain, nerves, muscles, and liver. The condition occurs at a rate of approximately one case per 10,000 people.

His father, Prince Robert of Luxembourg, a cousin of Grand Duke Henri, announced the news of his passing. According to him, Prince Frédéric’s condition worsened after he was hospitalized with pneumonia, and on March 1, in Paris, he left this world.

«On Friday, February 28, on Rare Disease Day, our beloved son called us to his room to speak with him one last time. Frédéric found the strength and courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn», The Sun quotes his father as saying.

Prince Robert also added that despite his severe condition, his son maintained his inner strength and even managed to joke to lift his family’s spirits: «Even in his final moments, his humor and boundless compassion encouraged us all and made us laugh».

The late prince had been battling the disease for over eight years, having received the devastating diagnosis at the age of 14. Frédéric was actively involved in charity work to support people with similar genetic disorders.

Photo: Instagram @polgfoundation