Prince Robert of Luxembourg recently celebrated his daughter Princess Charlotte’s wedding while also focusing on his son Prince Frederik’s battle with a rare PolG mutation disease. In an interview, he discussed the mission of their foundation, which aims to raise awareness and find a cure for the illness. Despite the hardships, Prince Frederik has contributed significantly by co-founding the organization and promoting awareness through a clothing line, showcasing resilience and dedication to the cause.
Celebrating Joy Amidst Challenges
The family of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, aged 56, recently experienced a moment of joyous celebration. Earlier this year, in January, Princess Charlotte of Nassau, 29, tied the knot with her partner Mansour Shakarchi in a picturesque winter wedding. However, amidst the happiness, Prince Robert is now shifting his attention to a more serious family matter: his son, Prince Frederik, 24, who is grappling with a rare PolG mutation disease.
Advocacy Through Personal Struggles
In an insightful interview with ‘Luxemburger Wort’, Prince Robert elaborates on the mission of his foundation, which is dedicated to researching this rare disease and seeking a viable cure. He shares intimate glimpses into the life of his son and the family’s journey. Remarkably, Prince Frederik not only faces health challenges but also plays a pivotal role as a co-founder of the foundation, working alongside his two sisters to make a difference.
The path leading to the foundation’s creation was fraught with difficulties. As a young child, Prince Frederik exhibited early signs of his condition, although these were not immediately recognized. “He slept significantly more than his siblings, which we misinterpreted as a blessing, especially since he was our third child,” Prince Robert recalls. However, as time went on, the family noticed additional issues with balance and coordination, along with frequent illnesses, leaving them desperate for answers.
In 2016, the diagnosis of a PolG mutation was finally confirmed, marking the beginning of a challenging journey. Six years later, the family took the initiative to establish their foundation, aiming to raise awareness about this relatively obscure illness. Their first fundraising event, which included the sale of rare wines, attracted initial attention and support.
Reflecting on the advantages they had, Prince Robert emphasizes the family’s privileged position. “The diagnosis was incredibly tragic for Frederik. However, we were fortunate that my father-in-law had been a professor and surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, facilitating our access to medical expertise. This allowed us to secure a diagnosis for Frederik much more swiftly.” For a teenager facing such an ordeal, the situation was understandably heartbreaking, as he found himself confined to bed while his peers ventured into the world.
Despite the challenges, Prince Frederik’s resilience shone through. He has adapted to his circumstances, relying on artificial nutrition due to his condition but managing to channel his energy into positive avenues. As the foundation was being established, he took the lead in developing the logos and designing the website. Furthermore, he created a clothing line to promote awareness for the cause, which has garnered attention from celebrities and influencers alike. “We are united in this battle against the disease,” Prince Robert affirms, highlighting the unwavering support of their family.
Prince Robert, a cousin of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, 69, resides in Switzerland with his wife, Princess Julie de Nassau, and their children: Princess Charlotte, Prince Alexander, 27, and Prince Frederik.