Princes William and Harry’s ex-nanny’s stepson among New Orleans attack victims

British police have confirmed that one of the victims of the terror attack in New Orleans was Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old from Chelsea whose stepmother served as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry.

Prince William and his wife, Catherine, have expressed their deep sorrow over Edward Pettifer’s death.

“We are shocked and saddened by the news of Ed’s death,” the Prince and Princess of Wales said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”

King Charles III has also extended his personal condolences to the Pettifer family and was deeply saddened by the news, reported news agency Reuters, quoting a royal source.

PETTIFER FAMILY’S ROYAL CONNECTION

Edward Pettifer, a resident of Chelsea, west London, was among the 14 people killed in the attack on New Year’s Day. His family has longstanding ties to the British royal household through his stepmother, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry during their childhood.

Edward Pettifer’s stepmother, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, married his father, Charles Pettifer, in 1999 after leaving her role as a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry.

The Pettifer family has maintained close ties to the royal household. Pettifer’s stepbrother, Tom, served as a page at Prince William’s wedding in 2011.

In a statement issued through London’s Metropolitan Police, Pettifer’s family expressed their profound grief. “He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many. We will all miss him terribly,” they said, requesting privacy to grieve, as per report by Sky News.

NEW ORLEANS’ ATTACK

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 1 on New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US Army veteran, rammed a rented truck into a crowd of revellers, killing 14 people, including Pettifer, and injuring dozens more.

Jabbar, who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS), was killed in a shootout with police shortly after the attack.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) described the incident as a “premeditated and evil act” of terrorism. Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia confirmed Jabbar acted alone and was “100% inspired by ISIS.”

Jabbar, a former real estate agent and veteran who served in Afghanistan, had faced personal struggles, including a divorce and financial troubles. The FBI revealed he had renewed his Muslim faith and adopted radical views. Investigators uncovered videos he posted hours before the attack, pledging allegiance to ISIS and denouncing Western practices such as music and alcohol.

In response to the attack, law enforcement agencies across the United States have pledged heightened security for upcoming public events. New Orleans has already increased measures for its ongoing Mardi Gras celebrations and other high-profile gatherings, including the upcoming Super Bowl.