Dutch 'Prince Brilliant' Johan Friso dies of skiing injuries

Johan Friso, the Dutch prince who avoided the limelight and gave up his position in line to the throne after getting entangled in a scandal with his bride-to-be, died yesterday - 18 months after a skiing accident in which he suffered serious brain injuries. He was 44.

The royal house said the prince, known as Friso, died of complications from the accident, without giving more details. It said he had never regained more than "minimal consciousness".

Friso was struck by an avalanche while skiing off-piste in Lech, Austria, in February 2012, and buried under the snow for 20 minutes until rescuers found him, unconscious. He was resuscitated and flown to a hospital, but was in a coma for months.

His death, though not unexpected, "still comes as a shock", said Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

In addition to the royal family, Friso is survived by his wife, Princess Mabel, and two daughters, Luana and Zaria.