BREAKING NEWS: Prince Friso’s Medical Condition Released

Last Friday, Queen Beatrix’s son Prince Friso was seriously injured in an avalanche whilst skiing in Lech.

Below is the medical statement released today by Dr. Wolfgang Koller, the head of the physicians’ team treating Prince Friso’s health condition at the Landeskrankenhaus in Innsbruck.

Prince Friso was brought to Innsbruck university hospital by rescue helicopter at about 14:00 on 17 February, after being buried by an avalanche in Lech. He was covered for approximately 25 minutes. At the hospital, after receiving initial treatment in the reanimation unit, he was taken straight to the intensive care trauma unit. This unit specialises in treating the most seriously injured avalanche patients with the utmost medical and technical expertise. The unit's head is Dr Wolfgang Koller.

Our unit was notified of the patient's imminent arrival and we were able to prepare everything in advance. Prince Friso was brought to the hospital under reanimation conditions. Due to the length of time he was covered under the snow, his brain had been deprived of oxygen. The result was cardiac arrest, which lasted approximately 50 minutes. The patient had to be reanimated during this entire period. Fifty minutes is a very long time. One could say, too long. We hoped that the patient's mild hypothermic state had sufficiently protected the brain against excessive damage. Unfortunately, our hope was in vain. Since last Friday, a team of specialists has been fighting to save Prince Friso's life. Yesterday, a first MRI-scan was possible, without bringing the patient into danger. Since this examination and the latest neurological tests yesterday evening it is clear that the oxygen deprivation has caused extensive damage to the patient's brain. At present it is not certain whether he will ever regain consciousness. In any event, rehabilitation will take months, if not years. Prince Friso's family will now look for an appropriate rehabilitation facility.

Friso’s Condition Unchanged

Prince Friso’s health condition remains unchanged. He is stable, but not out of danger. His medical prognosis will not be released until the end of the week.

On the Het Koninklijk Huis website, the Dutch Royal Family expressed their appreciation for the sympathy and support after Friso’s accident. The family said it has helped them through this difficult time.

Photo: Het Koninklijk Huis website

Prince Friso Hospitalized in Innsbruck

Prince Friso was seriously injured in an avalanche yesterday whilst on holiday in Lech, Austria. He is in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Innsbruck. His treating physicians have reported that his condition is stable, but not completely out of danger. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and his wife Princess Mabel are at his side.

Forty-three year old Friso is the second son of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the father of two daughters.

Below is a video clip from the NBC Today Show reporting Prince Friso’s accident.

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Photo: Dutch Royal House

Queen Beatrix Holidays in Lech

Whilst on her annual holiday in Lech, Queen Beatrix granted a photocall today. She was joined by her sons, Willem-Alexander and Constantijn, and their families. Amongst the various snow activities, five-year-old Amalia displayed some of her skiing prowess whilst being coached by her father, the Prince of Orange.

Photos: Frank van Beek

Winter Play for The Dutch Royals

Whilst enjoying their winter respite in Lech, Queen Beatrix gathered her sons, Prince Willem-Alexander and Prince Constantijn, and their families for a photocall over the weekend. The children were amiable throughout the session with the exception of the youngest in the clan. While she wept in her father’s arms, ten-month old Princess Ariane was comforted with a kiss by her older sister Princess Catharina-Amalia. When it came to demonstrating some winter sport skills, Amalia displayed her skiing adeptness with support from her father the Prince of Orange.

Photos: ANP