In a heartfelt tribute, Prince William and the royal family have expressed their sorrow over the tragic death of Edward Pettifer, a British man killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Day. Pettifer, 31, was among the victims of the devastating incident on Bourbon Street.
Edward Pettifer, a London native, was identified as one of the victims in the early morning attack that claimed the lives of at least 14 people and injured dozens more. His stepmother, Alexandra “Tiggy” Legge-Bourke, served as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry in the 1990s, maintaining a close connection to the royal family.
“Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”
Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shared their condolences on social media
The statement was signed with the letter ‘W,’ indicating Prince William’s personal touch.
“wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many.”
The Pettifer family, through London’s Metropolitan Police, expressed their devastation, describing Edward.
They requested privacy to grieve their loss.
King Charles also conveyed his condolences, reportedly reaching out to the family to offer his personal sympathies. Pettifer’s father, Charles, a former British army officer, married Tiggy in 1999, shortly after her tenure as a royal nanny ended. The family has maintained strong ties with the British monarchy, with Pettifer’s stepbrother Tom serving as a page at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011.
The attack in New Orleans was carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described Jabbar’s actions as “very intentional,” highlighting the deliberate nature of the attack.
As the Pettifer family and others affected by this tragedy begin the difficult process of healing, the royal family’s tribute underscores the profound impact of Edward Pettifer’s loss. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of such attacks and the enduring bonds of friendship and family.
