Latest news with #POLGMitochondrial
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Director opens up on ‘painful' experience of working with Luxembourg's Prince Frederik before his death
Director Mei Fa Tan spoke out about her experience working with the son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, Prince Frederik, after he died last week at the age of 22. Frederik tragically died of POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare disorder he was diagnosed with eight years ago. His death was announced by his dad Robert on March 7 in a lengthy message online. With tributes to the late royal pouring in, Tan spoke to Us Weekly about the time she spent working with Frederik. '[He was] so interested in so many topics. He would love to talk about basically anything,' she told the outlet. 'Mostly film and music…But his body would not allow him to do as much. So that was really painful to watch because he was trying his best.' In Robert's heartbreaking message about his son's death, he opened up about Frederik's diagnosis and explained that its symptoms aren't easy to detect from an early age. He wrote: 'Frederik was diagnosed with POLG at the age of 14, when his symptoms were showing more clearly and when the progression of his disease had become more acute. 'Because POLG disease causes such a wide range of symptoms and affects so many different organ systems, it is very difficult to diagnose and has no treatments, much less a cure.' POLG Mitochondrial disease is described as 'a genetic disorder that robs the body's cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure' on the POLG Foundation website. The condition is very 'uncommon' and the symptoms, which are hard to spot, include liver failure, muscle weakness, and epilepsy. As a young person with POLG Mitochondrial, Frederik sought to raise awareness by creating an official foundation, encouraging new research and widespread fundraising efforts. Robert's statement went on to describe Frederik's unwavering positivity and commitment to happily living each day without letting the disease control more of his life. Tan met Frederick when she was commissioned to direct the foundation's short film, The PolG Foundation Film. 'This is the battle that Frederik fought, and this is the burden that he had to carry throughout his life. He always did so with grace and with humour,' Robert wrote. 'When we asked him if he wanted to create a foundation to find a cure and help others like him, he jumped at the opportunity. 'Though he always made it very clear that he did not want this dreadful disease to define him, he nonetheless immediately identified with and helped define the mission of The POLG Foundation.' Frederik was able to star in the organization's first production, The PolG Foundation Film, before he died, for scenes of him watching his own childhood videos. 'When you're a kid, you've got all these dreams, all these aspirations, these things you want to do. The possibilities are endless,' he said in the film's voiceover. 'I'm not sure I understood all the consequences of PolG when I first got diagnosed. It's more subtle, where slowly, the world is getting smaller and smaller.'
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg dies aged 22
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, the son of Prince Robert and Princess Julie, has died at age 22 due to POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder. Frederik was diagnosed at 14 and founded the POLG Foundation to raise awareness and find treatments for the disease. His father shared a tribute describing Frederik's positive spirit and courage in facing the illness. POLG Mitochondrial disease causes progressive organ dysfunction and failure, with symptoms like muscle weakness and epilepsy. Frederik's work with the foundation aimed to help others with the disease and find a cure.
Gulf Today
10-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Luxembourg's Prince Frederik dies at 22 due to rare genetic disease
The son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, Prince Frederik, has died at the age of 22. Robert posted an emotional message on the POLG Foundation's website on Friday to announce his son's death. Frederik also founded the organisation, which aims to help find treatment for his rare disease condition, POLG Mitochondrial disease. 'It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik,' Robert wrote in the lengthy statement. 'Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn – his brother, Alexander; his sister, Charlotte; me; his three cousins, Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; and finally, his Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mark.' 'He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years,' Robert continued, referring to his wife. After Frederik gave the individual farewells, he left his loved ones 'collectively with a final long-standing family joke.' Before Frederik cheered his entire family up, 'in his last moments,' Robert recalled the last question that his son asked him: 'Papa, are you proud of me?' 'Superhero' '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,' Robert continued. '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.' Robert went on to call his son his 'superhero,' before praising the work Frederik has done with the POLG Foundation. He also applauded his son's 'superpower,' which was the ability to inspire and lead by example. 'Frederik was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination. When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him,' Robert added. 'He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humour, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds. He was disciplined and organised beyond belief.' Later in the statement, Robert shone a light on POLG Mitochondrial disease, and how the early symptoms are hard to recognise, as in Frederik's case. Very difficult to diagnose 'Frederik was diagnosed with POLG at the age of 14, when his symptoms were showing more clearly and when the progression of his disease had become more acute,' he continued. 'Because POLG disease causes such a wide range of symptoms and affects so many different organ systems, it is very difficult to diagnose and has no treatments, much less a cure.' Symptoms: Muscle weakness, epilepsy and liver failure POLG Mitochondrial disease is 'a genetic disorder that robs the body's cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure,' as noted on the POLG Foundation's website. While the disease is so uncommon that 'no one knows how many patients there are,' symptoms can often include muscle weakness, epilepsy, and liver failure. Robert concluded his statement about his son by applauding the positivity he had while experiencing symptoms of the rare genetic disorder. 'This is the battle that Frederik fought, and this is the burden that he had to carry throughout his life. He always did so with grace and with humour. When we asked him if he wanted to create a foundation to find a cure and help others like him, he jumped at the opportunity,' the Prince of Luxembourg said. 'Though he always made it very clear that he did not want this dreadful disease to define him, he nonetheless immediately identified with and helped define the mission of The POLG Foundation..' Along with their son Frederik, Robert and Julie share two other children: Prince Alexander and Princess Charlotte. The late 22-year-old previously spoke out about his genetic condition. Last year, he was featured in his organisation's short film, The PolG Foundation Film, which includes a scene of him watching videos from his childhood. 'When you're a kid, you've got all these dreams, all these aspirations, these things you want to do. The possibilities are endless,' he said in a voiceover. 'I'm not sure I understood all the consequences of PolG when I first got diagnosed. It's more subtle, where slowly, the world is getting smaller and smaller.' Luxembourg is a landlocked country in western Europe with a population of just 660,000. A constitutional monarchy, it has one of the highest GDP per capita ratings.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Luxembourg's Prince Frederik, 22, dies due to rare genetic disease
The son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, Prince Frederik, has died at the age of 22. Robert posted an emotional message on the POLG Foundation's website on Friday to announce his son's death. Frederik also founded the organization, which aims to help find treatments for his rare disease condition, POLG Mitochondrial disease. 'It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik,' Robert wrote in the lengthy statement. 'Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn – his brother, Alexander; his sister, Charlotte; me; his three cousins, Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; and finally, his Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mark.' 'He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years,' Robert continued, referring to his wife. After Frederik gave the individual farewells, he left his loved ones 'collectively with a final long-standing family joke.' Before Frederik cheered his entire family up, 'in his last moments,' Robert recalled the last question that his son asked him: '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,' Robert continued. '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.' Robert went on to call his son his 'superhero,' before praising the work Frederik has done with the POLG Foundation. He also applauded his son's 'superpower,' which was the ability to inspire and lead by example. 'Frederik was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination. When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him,' Robert added. 'He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humour, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds. He was disciplined and organised beyond belief.' Later in the statement, Robert shone a light on POLG Mitochondrial disease, and how the early symptoms are hard to recognize, as in Frederik's case. 'Frederik was diagnosed with POLG at the age of 14, when his symptoms were showing more clearly and when the progression of his disease had become more acute,' he continued. 'Because POLG disease causes such a wide range of symptoms and affects so many different organ systems, it is very difficult to diagnose and has no treatments, much less a cure.' POLG Mitochondrial disease is 'a genetic disorder that robs the body's cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure,' as noted on the POLG Foundation's website. While the disease is so uncommon that 'no one knows how many patients there are,' symptoms can often include muscle weakness, epilepsy, and liver failure. Robert concluded his statement about his son by applauding the positivity he had while experiencing symptoms of the rare genetic disorder. 'This is the battle that Frederik fought, and this is the burden that he had to carry throughout his life. He always did so with grace and with humour. When we asked him if he wanted to create a foundation to find a cure and help others like him, he jumped at the opportunity,' the Prince of Luxembourg said. 'Though he always made it very clear that he did not want this dreadful disease to define him, he nonetheless immediately identified with and helped define the mission of The POLG Foundation..' Along with their son Frederik, Robert and Julie share two other children: Prince Alexander and Princess Charlotte. The late 22-year-old previously spoke out about his genetic condition. Last year, he was featured in his organization's short film, The PolG Foundation Film, which includes a scene of him watching videos from his childhood. 'When you're a kid, you've got all these dreams, all these aspirations, these things you want to do. The possibilities are endless,' he said in a voiceover. 'I'm not sure I understood all the consequences of PolG when I first got diagnosed. It's more subtle, where slowly, the world is getting smaller and smaller.' Luxembourg is a landlocked country in western Europe with a population of just 660,000. A constitutional monarchy, it has one of the highest GDP per capita ratings.
The Independent
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Luxembourg's Prince Frederik, 22, dies due to rare genetic disease
The son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, Prince Frederik, has died at the age of 22. Robert posted an emotional message on the POLG Foundation's website on Friday to announce his son's death. Frederik also founded the organization, which aims to help find treatments for his rare disease condition, POLG Mitochondrial disease. 'It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik,' Robert wrote in the lengthy statement. 'Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn – his brother, Alexander; his sister, Charlotte; me; his three cousins, Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; and finally, his Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mark.' 'He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years,' Robert continued, referring to his wife. After Frederik gave the individual farewells, he left his loved ones 'collectively with a final long-standing family joke.' Before Frederik cheered his entire family up, 'in his last moments,' Robert recalled the last question that his son asked him: '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,' Robert continued. '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.' Robert went on to call his son his 'superhero,' before praising the work Frederik has done with the POLG Foundation. He also applauded his son's 'superpower,' which was the ability to inspire and lead by example. 'Frederik was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination. When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him,' Robert added. 'He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humour, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds. He was disciplined and organised beyond belief.' Later in the statement, Robert shone a light on POLG Mitochondrial disease, and how the early symptoms are hard to recognize, as in Frederik's case. 'Frederik was diagnosed with POLG at the age of 14, when his symptoms were showing more clearly and when the progression of his disease had become more acute,' he continued. 'Because POLG disease causes such a wide range of symptoms and affects so many different organ systems, it is very difficult to diagnose and has no treatments, much less a cure.' POLG Mitochondrial disease is 'a genetic disorder that robs the body's cells of energy, in turn causing progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure,' as noted on the POLG Foundation's website. While the disease is so uncommon that 'no one knows how many patients there are,' symptoms can often include muscle weakness, epilepsy, and liver failure. Robert concluded his statement about his son by applauding the positivity he had while experiencing symptoms of the rare genetic disorder. 'This is the battle that Frederik fought, and this is the burden that he had to carry throughout his life. He always did so with grace and with humour. When we asked him if he wanted to create a foundation to find a cure and help others like him, he jumped at the opportunity,' the Prince of Luxembourg said. 'Though he always made it very clear that he did not want this dreadful disease to define him, he nonetheless immediately identified with and helped define the mission of The POLG Foundation..' Along with their son Frederik, Robert and Julie share two other children: Prince Alexander and Princess Charlotte. The late 22-year-old previously spoke out about his genetic condition. Last year, he was featured in his organization's short film, The PolG Foundation Film, which includes a scene of him watching videos from his childhood. 'When you're a kid, you've got all these dreams, all these aspirations, these things you want to do. The possibilities are endless,' he said in a voiceover. 'I'm not sure I understood all the consequences of PolG when I first got diagnosed. It's more subtle, where slowly, the world is getting smaller and smaller.' Luxembourg is a landlocked country in western Europe with a population of just 660,000. A constitutional monarchy, it has one of the highest GDP per capita ratings.
