Royal family pays tribute to New Orleans attack victim, stepson of nanny to Prince William and Harry
Share and Follow

LONDON — The royal family paid tribute Saturday to the British man killed in the New Orleans truck-ramming attack, a 31-year-old who was the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny.

Edward Pettifer was among 14 people killed when an ISIS-inspired U.S. Army veteran drove his truck into a crowd of revelers on New Year’s Day, his family confirmed Saturday.

“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,” the family said in a statement issued by London’s Metropolitan Police.

“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,” it added.

Pettifer, from the west London neighborhood Chelsea, was the stepson of Alexandra Pettifer. She cared for the sons of King Charles III in the 1990s, when she was widely known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke.

Charles was deeply saddened after being made aware of Edward Pettifer’s death through official channels and has been in touch with the family to share personal condolences, a Buckingham Palace source said.

Edward Pettifer, 31
Edward Pettifer, 31NBC News / Metropolitan Police

William, the heir to the throne, said that “Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer.”

In a post on X, he said that “our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”

All but one of the victims of the truck-ramming attack have now been identified by the New Orleans coroner’s office.

A female whose identity is unknown was announced as the final victim. Efforts to identify her are ongoing, according to the coroner’s office.

All 14 victims died from blunt force trauma on Bourbon Street, the coroner’s office said.

Seven of the victims lived in Louisiana, two were from Mississippi, one was from Alabama, one was from New York and one was from New Jersey.

News that the Briton was killed in the attack emerged as authorities revealed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar had planned to use a transmitter to detonate two explosive devices he had placed nearby.

Neither of the explosive devices were detonated, and it remains unclear whether the failure was due to a malfunction, lack of activation, or another issue.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'It's time for action': Clay County teachers rally at board meeting, demanding pay raises

Clay County Teachers Demand Pay Raises: Passionate Rally at Board Meeting Sparks Urgent Call to Action

The teachers’ union has reached a stalemate with the district after a…
Opulent development in downtown LA left to languish by Chinese owners

Stalled Luxury Project in Downtown LA Awaits Revival by Chinese Investors

Los Angeles is preparing to host two major international events: the 2026…
As Trump admin pushes Gaza peace plan, history shows UN peacekeeping’s mixed record

Trump Administration Advances Gaza Peace Proposal Amid UN Peacekeeping’s Varied Track Record

In a strategic move, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz,…
Marjorie Taylor Greene praises Nancy Pelosi in stunning dig to Trump

Marjorie Taylor Greene Surprises with Unexpected Compliment to Nancy Pelosi, Takes a Jab at Trump

In a surprising move, Marjorie Taylor Greene recently offered high commendations for…
'It’s devastating’: Family’s fight against a controversial AI data center ends

Family’s Battle Against Controversial AI Data Center Reaches Heartbreaking Conclusion

In the serene countryside of Hays County, Texas, a contentious AI data…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant in Massachusetts accused of stabbing coworker with scissors, trash bin attack

ICE Apprehends Massachusetts Suspect in Violent Scissors and Trash Bin Assault

An undocumented immigrant, apprehended in Massachusetts on Thursday following a dramatic standoff…
National Guard finds 'suspicious' underground structure near Rio Grande

National Guard Uncovers Mysterious Underground Structure Near Rio Grande: Investigation Underway

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – On Thursday, a unit from the…
Air traffic cuts begin Friday morning: Updates around the country

Nationwide Air Traffic Reductions Commence Friday Morning: Latest Updates

Air travel across the United States is poised for disruption as airlines…