LONDON, England (BNO NEWS) -- Dutch Prince Johan Friso, who is in a coma after being critically injured in an avalanche in western Austria last month, was flown to a private hospital in London on Thursday, the Dutch government said.

Friso, 43, was skiing in the town of Lech on February 17 when he was hit by an avalanche and buried under the snow for about 25 minutes before he was rescued and resuscitated at the scene. Doctors have said that the oxygen deprivation has caused extensive damage to his brain, leaving him in a coma which he may never come out.

"His Royal Highness Prince Friso arrived today in London, which has been his home for many years," the Dutch government said in a statement on behalf of the royal family. He was taken to Wellington Hospital in London, the largest independent hospital in the United Kingdom, where he will be treated.

"This marks the beginning of a long and intensive period for the royal family and especially for the family of Prince Friso, who will attempt to begin the rehabilitation process," the statement said. "The family of His Royal Highness Prince Friso needs all the space to learn to cope with the medical situation of Prince Friso. That is why the family requests the media to continue to respect the needed privacy of the family."

Dutch Queen Beatrix, Friso's wife Princess Mabel and their children have also been flown to London. "The warm sympathy in the recent period has given me support and strength. My gratitude for this is great," Mabel said in her first public comments since the accident last month.

Friso is the second son of Queen Beatrix but is not in line for the throne since marrying Mabel in 2004 without the government's permission.

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