Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old UK national intimately connected to the British royal family, tragically lost his life in a terrorist attack in New Orleans.
According to the New York Post, a terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day claimed 14 lives, including Edward Pettifer, stepson of the former nanny to Princes William and Harry.
The assailant, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, initiated the attack by driving a rental pickup truck through Bourbon Street shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday. His vehicle was adorned with an ISIS flag, and he had publicly declared his allegiance to the group.
After successfully circumventing police barriers, Jabbar drove the truck into a crowded area, crash-landing into a crane, whereupon he exited the vehicle and opened fire on police officers. The confrontation ended with police fatally shooting Jabbar.
Edward Pettifer was visiting the vibrant city of New Orleans from his home in Chelsea. He was among the first to be struck during the dreadful sequence of events.
Tiggy Pettifer, Edward’s stepmother and the beloved former nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry from 1993 until 1999, received the dreadful news shortly thereafter. The royal family, notified immediately, expressed their condolences to the Pettifer family during this heart-wrenching time.
In addition to her historical role with the British Royal family, Tiggy Pettifer was honored as a godmother to Archie, the first child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in 2020.
The tragic incident resulted in 39 additional injuries, affecting families from various places. The location, Canal and Bourbon Streets, known for lively festivities, became a site of mourning as the community processed the aftermath of this sudden violence.
Edward Pettifer's family released a statement conveyed through a family spokesperson. Here is what they had to say:
"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,” and “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."
King Charles and Prince William, grieving the loss of someone close to their childhood caretaker, have reached out personally to the Pettifer family to extend their sympathy and support during this difficult period.
The Pettifer family and their connections, due to Tiggy's close relationship with the royals, highlight an unexpected intersection of personal tragedy and public interest. This event has drawn international attention due to the victims' diverse backgrounds and the significant impact on the city of New Orleans.
The royal family, deeply affected by the loss, reflects on Tiggy Pettifer's longstanding service and the profound connections that have shaped their experiences. Their public acknowledgment of the tragedy underscores the depth of their relationships with their former nanny and her family.
This tragic event underscores the unpredictability of terror and its far-reaching impacts, touching lives across continents and leaving communities worldwide to mourn the senseless loss of life and disruption of peace on what should have been a celebratory occasion.
