Prince Friso of the Netherlands, second son of queen Beatrix, is fighting for his life in an Austrian hospital after being hit by an avalanche while skiing.

The prince, who was skiing off piste with three companions, spent at least 15 minutes under the snow, after a 30-metre wide avalanche swept him down the hillside.
His companions, who escaped the avalanche raised the alarm. Doctors revived the unconscious prince at the scene and he was rushed to hospital in Innsbruck by hospital.
Injuries
The state information service RVD said it will be several days before doctors can assess what injuries the prince has suffered. The prince’s condition is stable but he is in a very critical condition, the RVD said.
The RVD did not give further details, but according to Austrian media reports, he may have a skull fracture. Other reports say the prince may be brain dead.
The queen and Friso’s wife Mabel are at his bedside.
Doctors
Prime minister Mark Rutte told a news conference he had spoken to the queen. ‘We know nothing more than the fact that he has the best doctors. He is receiving very good medical care,’ the prime minister said.
The Dutch royal family always goes skiing at the Austrian resort of Lech and crown prince Willem-Alexander and his family had been due to join the queen and Friso this weekend. Willem-Alexander and princess Maxima are now on their way to Lech in the government jet, the Telegraaf reported.
There has been heavy snow in recent days and a code 4 avalanche warning was in force, according to Nos television. Five is the highest code. The prince was wearing a beeper but not an anti-avalanche air bag, according to Dutch media reports.
Marriage
Friso was born on September 25, 1968 and is Beatrix’ second son. Dogged by claims he was gay, in 2003, Friso married Mabel Wisse Smit. He was forced to give up his claim to the throne because parliament refused to sanction the marriage due to Mabel’s relationship with a convicted criminal.
The couple have two daughters and live in London, where Friso works for energy company Urenco.
Archive photo: Novum/PPE
Daily Mail report