Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Luxembourg’s royal family are in mourning after the death of a young prince who had lived with a rare genetic condition.
Prince Frederik died on March 1 2025 in Paris at the age of 22. He was surrounded by his family.
Frederik was the son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and his wife, Princess Julie of Nassau. He had been suffering a rare illness.
Prince Robert, a first cousin of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, shared that his youngest son passed away. Prince Frederik had PolG, a genetic disorder.
PolG affects mitochondria, the part of the cell that creates energy, meaning that organs do not have the energy that they need. Symptoms can include epilepsy, muscle weakness, ophthalmoplegia, and eventual organ failure.
The late Prince Frederik was determined despite his health issues and he founded the PolG Foundation. As they announced his death, his family reminded everyone that Frederik had been the founder and creative director of the foundation which aims to help those with PolG and to eventually develop a cure.
In a moving letter, Prince Robert shared his son’s last moments. He said ”Frederik’s last question to me, prior to his other remarks was: “Papa, are you proud of me?” 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. 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.”
And Prince Robert finished with a moving tribute, saying ‘‘Frederik knows he is my superhero, just as he is for our entire family, for many dear friends, and now, thanks to his POLG Foundation, for countless people around the world.”
Prince Robert’s father was Prince Charles of Luxembourg, the younger son of Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma.