King "deeply saddened" by death of royal nanny's stepson in New Orleans attack
The London man was one of 14 killed in the attack on New Years Day
Last updated 4th Jan 2025
The King is said to be deeply saddened by the death of the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny in a New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were supporting the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, who was killed in the attack in Bourbon Street, Louisiana.
Authorities have confirmed 14 people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly ploughed a pick-up truck through crowds of New Year revellers.
It is understood the King was made aware of Mr Pettifer’s death through official channels, was deeply saddened, and had been in touch with the family to share personal condolences.
The Telegraph reported that Mr Pettifer was the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke, also known as Alexandra Pettifer.
Mr Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer, a former Coldstream Guards officer, and Camilla Wyatt, the daughter of a racehorse breeder, according to the newspaper.
His half brother, Tom, who is a godson to William, was a page boy at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011.
Prince William and wife Catherine have also shared their grief upon hearing of Pettifer's death.
In a statement, the Prince of Wales wrote: "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."
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan, allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.
Mr Pettifer’s family said in a statement: “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.”
The New Orleans coroner gave Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”.
The Met Police said family liaison officers are supporting Mr Pettifer’s family and helping them through the process of returning his body to the UK.
The Foreign Office also said it was supporting the victim’s family and was in contact with US authorities.
“Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the victim’s families,” she said.
The attack took place in the city’s popular French Quarter at around 3.15am local time on New Year’s Day.
The New Orleans coroner said one of those killed remains unidentified with the others coming from the US – the youngest aged 18 and the oldest 63.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a press conference the victims and their families “matter” to the entire city.
It is believed the suspect acted alone.
The FBI confirmed an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and explosive devices were discovered nearby.
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden said the attacker posted a video which indicated he was inspired by the so-called Islamic State group.
Condemnation of the terrorist incident came from countries including Britain, France, Germany and Mexico, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying on Wednesday: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said consular officials in the US would be on hand to help any British nationals affected.