P rince Frederik of Luxembourg, the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, died in Paris at age 22 on March 1—a day after Rare Disease Day—of a rare genetic disease known as POLG.

The prince had PolG disease, a genetic mitochondrial disorder that prevents the body's cells from producing adequate energy.

Commissioned by Frederik’s mother, Princess Julia of Nassau, to helm an educational short film about the disease with Frederik at its center, director Mei Fa Tan said she was left “inspired” by the prince but also found it “painful to watch” him struggle with his health.