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The Netherlands

Dutch Prince Friso dies after one and a half years in a coma

Nearly a year and a half after falling into a coma after a skiing accident in Austria, Prince Friso of The Netherlands has died aged 44 officials confirmed.

Prince Friso died from complications after a skiing accident in Austria.

Prince Friso died from complications after a skiing accident in Austria.

In July, Prince Friso was transferred from a London hospital back to Huis ten Bosch, a royal palace in The Hague but had since suffered further complications. Prince Friso was struck by an avalanche in early 2012 whilst skiing in Austria; he was buried until rescuers finally managed to pull him out unconscious 20 minutes later. He was resuscitated at the scene and flown to hospital. He remained in a coma for many months.

According to reports, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are are in their way home from a holiday in Greece. The news was confirmed after a royal palace statement saying:

“Prince Friso died from complications as a result of oxygen shortages during his ski accident on February 17th 2012”

Princess Mabel, the Prince’s wife who turned 45 yesterday, is said to have spent her birthday at his bedside. Prince Friso’s death comes just a few months after his brother, King Willem-Alexander became monarch. Shortly before he became king he spoke of the “terrible situation” the family have been living with for the past year. He added Princess Mabel and Queen Beatrix were doing their best to be with him every day to “give him a chance”.

Both Friso’s wife, Princess Mabel and his two daughters, Luana and Zaria survive him.

photo credit: JohnBurke via photopin cc

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