Prince Friso in Critical Condition Following Skiing Accident; February 17th, 2012

[Baroness of Books]

Every so often I come back to this thread when I see it highlighted, thinking that the inevitable has happened. To see that Friso's condition remains the same with no realistic hope of any miraculous recovery is about as sad as it can get. The limbo that his family must be living, as well as his state of existence, must be hell and I just feel so sad for his children. I'm sure a good part of the Queen's decision to abdicate has to do with her son's condition and I hope being out of the limelight as a reigning monarch gives her some relief to cope with this stress and pain. Perhaps a viable decision will now be reached to terminate life support if it is deemed to be the only solution. There's really no easy answer anymore.

[camelot23ca]

I think it's worth keeping two things in mind. First, we actually have very little information regarding the medical specifics of the prince's condition at this point in time. Second, if they're typical of most loving family members in these situations, Beatrix and Mabel are by now the most knowledgeable people on earth regarding Friso's overall status. They've no doubt had endless conversations with multiple doctors, done research and reading on their own, and they're in the best position to know what pre-accident Friso's wishes would have been. Within whatever framework of choices they actually have, they're making the ones they feel are best for Friso and their family - and, as of now, they've decided to NOT terminate any support measures he may be getting.

[Baroness of Books]

This situation is all speculation at this point since we don't know the specific facts and I commented that any termination of life support by the family is viable if deemed to be the only solution. That's why I rarely visit this site; I wouldn't presume to put myself in their shoes as far as what they decide is best for Friso and his family.

[lucien]

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

This situation is all speculation at this point since we don't know the specific facts and I commented that any termination of life support by the family is viable if deemed to be the only solution. That's why I rarely visit this site; I wouldn't presume to put myself in their shoes as far as what they decide is best for Friso and his family.

Indeed Baroness of Books,I fully agree.

[Queen Camilla]

Any updates.

According to Wikipedia, 7 months ago he was showing signs of consciousness.

Does anyone know if he attended/watched any of the recent events?

[Archduchess Zelia]

Originally Posted by Queen Camilla

Any updates.

According to Wikipedia, 7 months ago he was showing signs of consciousness.

Does anyone know if he attended/watched any of the recent events?

To the best of my knowledge, Friso still hasn't regained consciousness and unfortunately still is in a coma.

[HRHHermione]

Yes, Prince Friso is in a semi-vegetative state from what I understand, and may show basic reflex type movements- blinking and the like- but he is sadly completely unable to attend or watch any events and it's unlikely that he ever will be.

[GracieGiraffe]

I agree that I would never presume to put myself in this family's shoes and give my two cents on the subject, esp. as I don't know his actual condition. It's wonderful to see Mabel treated as one of the family.

I'm sure Friso's state must have cast a shadow on what was a wonderful event last week for the DRF.

[Mariel]

It was good to see Mabel walking with new Princess Beatrix, as two widows together. What a nice thought to do this! Not that Mabel is yet officially a widow, but her state is similar.

[suztav]

I have a great deal of respect for the Dutch royal family for how they have handled this entire situation. It's very easy for us to lapse into thinking these are just "characters" in some play ... while, in reality, they are real members of real families dealing with some of the very real issues many of us do. I'm happy that Mabel walked in with Princess Beatrix. Very, very nice.

[cepe]

Originally Posted by Mariel

It was good to see Mabel walking with new Princess Beatrix, as two widows together. What a nice thought to do this! Not that Mabel is yet officially a widow, but her state is similar.

I don't agree. Being a widow is sad and difficult, especially when there are young children but the position is clear cut and the widow can move forward planning her future and that of the children. I am in no way saying that this is easy.

Mabel is in limbo - there is no certainty. It must be truly awful; her future at present is linked to Friso and his condition.

[4Pam]

I can't imagine the pain the family must be going through esp Friso & Mabel's children. They are so young.

[Lindy]

Willem-Alexander spoke about Friso in his pre-inauguration interview on April 17, 2013.

Interviewer: On April 30, your brother Friso, of course, will not be present. What does his absence mean for you?
PRINCE OF ORANGE: We are a very close family and we are three brothers who grew up within 2.5 years apart. We have been through a lot together. And then, of course, you want everyone there. And such an accident in a family, any family whatsoever, is just awful. Yes, so I find it tragic ...

Interviewer: Difficult question to ask, perhaps even more difficult to answer, but I want to ask it anyway, because many people will want to know. How is it going with your brother right now?
PRINCE OF ORANGE: Unfortunately, we have no new messages and we would let people know if there were substantial changes. So it is still the same, same situation. But he is in the best of hands and Mabel and my mother really do everything for him to make it as good as possible ...
PRINCESS MAXIMA: To give him a chance.
PRINCE OF ORANGE: To give him a chance. So yes, I have deep respect for Mabel and my mother for what they do for my brother.

[COUNTESS]

Originally Posted by cepe

I don't agree. Being a widow is sad and difficult, especially when there are young children but the position is clear cut and the widow can move forward planning her future and that of the children. I am in no way saying that this is easy.

Mabel is in limbo - there is no certainty. It must be truly awful; her future at present is linked to Friso and his condition.

You are quite right. Here the grief never stop or has a chance of healing. Not that you do not grieve for life, but it is a softer grief, this is still raw and never ending.