Dutch Prince Johan Friso fighting for his life after avalanche accident

Prince Friso of the Netherlands is fighting for his life in a coma after being buried under an avalanche in Austria.

Doctors have said they will not be able to say before the end of the week if he will live or die.

Friso was trapped under the snow for 15 minutes on Friday while ski-ing off piste in the resort of Lech – where the Dutch royals traditionally take their winter break.

The 43-year-old, who was visited in hospital on Sunday by his mother Queen Beatrix and wife Princess Mabel – has been unconscious ever since he was airlifted to safety.

Officials said Prince Friso – pictured with Mabel and their daughters Luana, seven, and Zaria, five – is stable, but in a critical condition.

Prince Friso's skiing companion has been questioned over the avalanche, say prosecutors.

The 42-year-old friend, who Dutch media have identified as the director of the hotel where the royals are staying, has been questioned by police.

A routine investigation has been opened, and may last several weeks.

Friso's companion, who is also a childhood friend, escaped injury thanks to an avalanche airbag – which inflates to keep skiers at the top of the snowfall.


(thank you Marcia for the corrections)

source

[The Netherlands] Princess Maxima's 40th royal birthday concert - The Family

Maxima's parents (Maria Del Carmen & Jorge Zorreguieta) & her brother Martin with her and her husband, Prince Willem-Alexander

Oops! Maxima's dad step onto her dress!

Prince Friso & wife Princess Mabel

Pieter van Vollenhoven & his wife, Princess Margriet, sister of the Queen

Princess Anita & husband Prince Pieter-Christiaan of Orange-Nassau, the son of Princess Margriet

sources: 1, 2 & 3

[The Netherlands] Princess Maxima's 40th royal birthday concert - all the guests together

On the far left, we can see Princess Christina and Princess Irene, Queen Beatrix sisters. On the far right, another of the Queen's sisters, Princess Margriet.

On the third row, we can see Maxima's sisters-in-law, Princess Laurentien and Princess Mabel, Princes Constantijn and Friso's wives respectively. 

[The Netherlands] [VIDEO] The very inspirational life speech of Princess Mabel at The Elders (2009)

Dutch Princess Mabel van Oranje is the Chief Executive Officer of The Elders. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity. You can follow her interesting work on twitter.

This is a very inspirational and passionate speech. I think I will surely use it in my personal life.