Prince William has issued a heartbreaking statement on his and Princess Kate “shock and sadness” following the tragic death of his former nanny’s stepson.
Edward Pettifer, 31, was among 14 people who lost their lives when a pick-up truck ploughed into crowds on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on New Year’s Day.
Mr Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as nanny to William and Prince Harry from 1993 to 1999.
The Prince of Wales issued a statement on social media following the news.
Prince William has issued a heartbreaking statement on his and Princess Kate “shock and sadness” following the tragic death of his former nanny’s stepson.
Getty
William said: “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. W”.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles was “deeply saddened” by the news and has personally reached out to the family to express his condolences.
The attack, carried out by a US army veteran with suspected Islamic State links, claimed the lives of Mr Pettifer and 13 others in the popular tourist district.
Edward Pettifer, 31, was among 14 people who lost their lives when a pick-up truck ploughed into crowds on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on New Year’s Day.
Metropolitan Police
The New Orleans coroner reported Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”.
The Foreign Office confirmed it is providing support to the family of the British victim.
The King was informed of Mr Pettifer’s death through official channels and immediately reached out to the bereaved family.
Mr Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer, 59, a former Coldstream Guards officer, and Camilla Wyatt, 58, daughter of a racehorse breeder.
Mr Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke (pictured), who served as nanny to William and Prince Harry from 1993 to 1999.
PA
His father later married Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who had known Charles since their teenage years and was already Edward’s godmother.
Ms Legge-Bourke proved instrumental in supporting Princes William and Harry following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and has maintained close ties with both royals.
The couple had two sons together: Fred, 23, who is Prince Harry’s godson, and Tom, 22, who is Prince William’s godson.
Mr Pettifer’s half-brother Tom gained public attention when he served as a page boy at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011, aged eight.
Ed Pettifer’s family released a statement following his death saying: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans.
“He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack.
“We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
