King Charles has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of Edward Pettifer, a British man who was killed in a devastating vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, according to palace sources.
Edward Pettifer, 31, was among 14 people who lost their lives in what authorities have described as a deliberate act of violence. He was the stepson of Alexandra Pettifer, formerly known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as a trusted nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry during their childhood.
The King has personally reached out to Mr. Pettifer's family to extend his heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the royal family's close connection to Alexandra Pettifer, palace sources confirmed to the BBC.
Family Tribute and Investigation
In a statement, Mr. Pettifer's family expressed their devastation, describing him as a "wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend to so many." They also extended their sympathies to other families affected by the tragedy and requested privacy as they grieve.
The attack, which occurred in the bustling French Quarter of New Orleans, left at least 39 people injured, several of whom remain in critical condition. The FBI identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who allegedly acted alone in what they described as a "premeditated and evil act." Authorities reported finding a flag associated with the Islamic State group in the vehicle, along with two improvised explosive devices nearby.
A Nation in Mourning
Among the victims were a prominent college football player, an aspiring nurse, and a mother of a young child, highlighting the widespread impact of the tragedy.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has confirmed it is supporting Mr. Pettifer’s family during this difficult time. The Metropolitan Police in London also named him as one of the victims, describing his death as a “terrible loss.
Remembering Edward Pettifer
Edward Pettifer, who lived in Chelsea, London, was remembered by his family as a cherished individual who brought joy to those around him. “We will all miss him terribly,” their statement read.
Alexandra Pettifer, Mr. Pettifer's stepmother, joined King Charles’s household in 1993, where she became a vital figure in the lives of Prince William and Prince Harry, particularly during the challenging years following the separation and later the loss of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The tragedy has drawn messages of support from across the globe, with the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry both being informed of the incident. Kensington Palace has indicated that Prince William is aware of the situation, while Prince Harry has chosen not to comment publicly.
The Attack
The violent rampage began in the early hours of New Year’s Day, when a 42-year-old US Army veteran drove a pick-up truck into a crowd along Bourbon Street. The suspect was later shot and killed by police.
A preliminary autopsy report listed Mr. Pettifer’s cause of death as "blunt force injuries," according to local authorities. The incident has reignited discussions on public safety and counter-terrorism measures in the United States.
As New Orleans mourns the victims of this horrific attack, the global community joins in offering condolences to the affected families. The King’s personal outreach to the Pettifer family underscores the profound impact of this tragedy on both sides of the Atlantic.
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