Prince Frederik of Luxembourg Remembered for Advocacy Amid Rare Disease Battle

The 22-year-old royal, who passed away from POLG disease, left behind a legacy of awareness, research, and resilience.

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg passed away on March 1, 2025, at age 22, after a long battle with POLG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder causing progressive organ failure.
Diagnosed at age 14, Frederik co-founded The POLG Foundation, which has funded over $3.6 million in research projects and developed resources like The POLG Toolbox for scientists.
Filmmaker Mei Fa Tan directed a short film about Frederik’s experience with the disease, released six months before his death to educate the public during Mitochondrial Awareness Week.
Despite his declining health, Frederik maintained his sense of humor and passion for film and music, inspiring those around him, including the film's crew and fellow participants.
Frederik’s father, Prince Robert, described him as a superhero who faced his challenges with grace and humor, leaving a lasting impact on the fight against POLG disease.