Prince Frederik, the beloved son of Prince Robert and Princess Julie of Luxembourg, has passed away at the age of 22 after a long and courageous battle with PolG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder.
His father, Prince Robert, shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on his son’s final words and enduring legacy.
In a statement published on the PolG Foundation website, Prince Robert revealed the profound exchange he had with his son in his last moments.
“Frederik’s last question to me, prior to his other remarks was: ‘Papa, are you proud of me?’” he recalled.
“He had barely been able to speak for several days, so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound.”
Although the answer had always been evident, Robert recognized that his son needed reassurance.
“The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times,” he said. “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.”
For his family, Frederik had always been a superhero.
“Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends and now in great part thanks to his PolG Foundation, to so very many people the world over,” Robert shared. “Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example.”
Even in his final moments, Frederik’s sense of humor remained intact. After sharing parting words filled with wisdom, kindness, and love, he left his family with one last inside joke. “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,” Robert said.
“Even in his last moments, his humor, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh…. to cheer us all up.”
Prince Frederik passed away in Paris on March 1, just one day after gathering his parents, siblings—Prince Alexander and Princess Charlotte—and other close family members to his room to bid them farewell. His passing was officially announced by Prince Robert on March 7, marking the end of a life that, despite its brevity, left an indelible mark on those who knew him and the many people he inspired.
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