His Royal Highness Prince Johan Friso of Oranje-Nassau is in stable condition after being buried alive by an avalanche whilst on a skiing holiday in Lech, Austria on February 17, 2012.

The Austrian Press Agency is reporting that the second son of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was struck by the avalanche “measuring about 30m wide by 40m long” shortly after 12pm.  The prince was buried in the snow for roughly 15-20 minutes before a search and rescue team found him.  After resuscitation Prince Johan Friso was taken to Innsbruck University Hospital via helicopter.

During an emergency a press conference, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, “The prince is stable but not out of danger, and we await more information. Austria has excellent medical care and we have great faith in it.”

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Prince Johan Friso’s wife, Princess Mabel, are currently at Innsbruck University Hospital.  Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Princess Maxima, Prince Constantijn and Princess Laurentien are flying to Innsbruck to be by the prince’s side.

According to AFP news, “Doctors treating Prince Friso note that a prognosis will only be possible in a few days…”

For more information as well as video updates please click here  here, and here. (in Dutch)

Sources: AFP, Associated Press, BBC News, and NOS.