Luxembourg Prince dies at age 23 due to rare disease

Prince Frederick of Luxembourg has died in Paris at the age of 22 on March 1. The cause of death was a rare genetic disease, reports The Sun.

The sad news was confirmed by the prince's father, Robert of Luxembourg, a cousin of the reigning Grand Duke Henri.

The prince was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease caused by mutations in the POLG gene. This condition, occurring in one in 10,000 cases, affects various organs, primarily the brain.

Robert of Luxembourg shared his son's final moments: "On Rare Disease Day, February 28, Frederick invited us to his room for a farewell conversation. He found the strength to say goodbye to each family member."

The prince was only diagnosed at age 14, after which he established the POLG charitable foundation. In his final days, despite losing the ability to speak, Frederick managed to ask his father an important question: "Dad, are you proud of me?"

The prince's condition significantly deteriorated after hospitalization with pneumonia and a severe infection, which led to immobility.