A tragic terrorist attack on New Year's Day in New Orleans claimed the life of Edward Pettifer, the stepson of Tiggy Pettifer, the former nanny to British princes William and Harry.
The attack involved a rental truck that caused multiple casualties on Bourbon Street, leaving an impact that resonated on both sides of the Atlantic, New York Post reported.
Edward Pettifer was among the 14 unfortunate victims of the attack, identified posthumously after succumbing to "blunt force injuries" in the early hours of January 1st. The assailant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, used a rented pickup truck to execute the attack just after 3 a.m., resulting in substantial loss of life. The event caused widespread grief, with condolences pouring in from both the United States and the United Kingdom, including heartfelt messages from the British royal family.
Tiggy Pettifer, Edward's stepmother, holds a historical connection to the British royal family, having been the nanny to Princes William and Harry during their childhood. Furthermore, the family ties continued as Tiggy became the godmother to Archie, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Such connections underscored the gravity of the tragic loss for the Pettifers, as well as bringing international attention to the heartbreaking event.
Meanwhile, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, expressed his sorrow over Edward's untimely death. Communicating on behalf of himself and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, William articulated their immense shock and sympathy. In a compassionate statement, he extended their condolences to the Pettifer family and other victims affected by the tragic incident.
“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.”
Edward's immediate family members—his father Charles Pettifer, mother Camilla Wyatt, and brother Harry—are enveloped in mourning and have expressed their deep sorrow publicly. The family described Edward as an irreplaceable son, brother, grandson, and friend. Their statement revealed a glimpse into their profound grief and the support for other families that have suffered similar losses.
In addition, the family further requested the respect and privacy necessary to grieve, urging the public to allow them the space to process their tragedy. They empathetically acknowledged the sorrow faced by other affected families, emphasizing the widespread devastation inflicted by the attack.
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.
King Charles reached out personally to the Pettifer family to extend his condolences, recognizing the devastating impact of the events in New Orleans. His acknowledgment added a personal royal touch and highlighted the broader sympathy extended toward the Pettifer family amid their loss.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry chose to remain silent on Edward's passing, respecting the family’s privacy and leaving the public statements to other members of the royal family. His relationship with Tiggy Pettifer, combined with the media attention on royal affairs, signals the complex interweaving of public and private mourning.
Tiggy Pettifer, who currently manages a bed and breakfast in Wales, remains a maternal figure of prominence to the royals. Her past role and continuing connection with the royal family further amplify the resonance of Edward Pettifer's death across nations.
The tragic New Year's Day attack in New Orleans, which claimed Edward Pettifer among others, has reverberated through communities both locally and internationally. The family, linked to British royalty through Tiggy Pettifer, navigates their grief with pleas for privacy. Furthermore, heartfelt tributes, such as those from Prince William, confirm the shared sadness felt by many. As condolences continue, the Pettifer family's deep ties to the royals have become an unforeseen bridge of sympathy between the two countries.
