Luxembourg’s Prince Frederik asked father one final powerful question before dying from rare disease aged 22

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg asked his father a touching question before tragically dying from a rare disease at the age of just 22.

The late prince, who is the son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, passed away at the start of this month (1 March) with his father announcing his passing last Friday (7 March).

Robert took to the official POLG Foundation’s website to share the sad news that Frederik had died following a diagnosis of a rare POLG Mitochondrial disease with a touching statement.

In the statement, Robert explained that POLG disease is 'a genetic mitochondrial disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy', which, in turn, causes 'progressive multiple organ (brain, nerves, liver, intestines, muscles, swallowing and ocular function, etc.) dysfunction and failure.'

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg died aged 22 after being diagnosed with a rare POLG Mitochondrial disease (POLG Foundation)

Prince Frederik's final moments

"One might compare it to having a faulty battery that never fully recharges, is in a constant state of depletion and eventually loses power," he said.

The symptoms can be mild to severe and most often include ophthalmoplegia (a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the muscles that move the eye), muscle weakness, epilepsy and liver failure.

In his tribute, Robert shared: "After gifting each of us with our farewells – some kind, some wise, some instructive - in true Frederik fashion, he left us collectively with a final long-standing family joke.

"Even in his last moments, his humour, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh…. to cheer us all up."

Prince Frederik was first diagnosed with the health condition when he was 14 (POLG Foundation)

The prince's touching final question

The grieving father, who shares two other children - Prince Alexander and Princess Charlotte - with Julie, also shared Frederik’s last question to him prior to his other remarks, which was: "Papa, are you proud of me?"

Robert went on to share that Frederik 'had barely been able to speak for several days', adding: "So the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound.

"The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times…. but at this time, he needed reassurance that he had contributed all that he possibly could in his short and beautiful existence and that he could now finally move on."

Prince Frederik's father, Prince Robert, shared a sweet tribute for his son (POLG Foundation)

'Frederik fought his disease valiantly until the very end'

Continuing the statement, Robert called his son his 'superhero', adding: "Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example. Frederik was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination.

"As his siblings and most anyone who ever met him say, 'Frederik is the strongest person that we know!' Frederik fought his disease valiantly until the very end. His indomitable lust for life propelled him through the hardest of physical and mental challenges.

"Our cheery Frederik saw the beauty in everything."

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