Edward Pettifer, 31, stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny, lost his life in a terror attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.
Edward was among 14 victims of a dreadful terrorist truck attack, sparking immediate grief and shock within the British royal family and beyond, New York Post reported.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of a Wednesday when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, driving a rented pickup truck, targeted individuals along Bourbon Street in the city’s famed French Quarter.
Edward Pettifer suffered "blunt force injuries" as a result of the assault, which ultimately led to his tragic death. Born to Charles Pettifer, a former Coldstream Guards officer, and Camilla Wyatt, Edward grew up with a rich familial history before the tragedy.
The personal connection to the royal family stems from Edward's stepmother, Tiggy Pettifer, who served as a nanny to the young princes, William and Harry, from 1993 until 1999. Tiggy played a crucial role during a particularly tender phase of their lives following the death of their mother, Princess Diana.
Reflecting on the connection, the Prince of Wales issued a heartfelt statement on the loss. “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,” he said.
It was also reported that Edward, who was the eldest sibling in his family, had a significant impact on those around him, characterized by warmth and friendliness. His family, devastated by the news, released a statement highlighting their grief. “The entire family is 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,” they stated.
The Pettifers continued, stressing their need for privacy during this difficult time. “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 statement added.
The broader royal family, including King Charles, reached out to express condolences, signifying the deep connections between the Pettifer family and the British Royals owing to Tiggy’s close personal bond with William and Harry.
Aside from her role as a nanny, Tiggy Pettifer has maintained a lifelong connection with the royal brothers. She is involved in hospitality, running a bed and breakfast at the family’s home near Crickhowell in Wales.
Moreover, Tiggy’s sons, Tom and Fred, hold special places in the heart of the royal family as well, with Tom having served as a page boy at Prince William and Catherine's wedding in 2011 and Fred being Prince Harry’s godson.
In 2020, Tiggy was named one of the godmothers to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie, further cementing her significant role in the family’s life well beyond her formal nannying years.
A media handout issued by the Metropolitan Police showed images of Edward Pettifer, helping the public visualize the life tragically lost. This personal touch underscored the wide-reaching impact of the attack, touching lives far beyond the immediate victims.
Importantly, while Prince William publicly expresses his condolences, it has been reported that Prince Harry will not be commenting on the passing of Pettifer. This decision highlights the personal and perhaps complex nature of royal communications during times of grief.
As the story develops, the connection between global events and personal tragedy continues to evoke deep sympathy and sorrow from around the world, reminding us all of the often unseen personal ties that extend through communities, nations, and stories.
