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Thursday, Apr 09, 2026

Briton Killed in New Orleans Attack Identified as Stepson of Former Royal Nanny

Briton Killed in New Orleans Attack Identified as Stepson of Former Royal Nanny

Edward Pettifer, 31, was among 14 victims of a terrorist attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, carried out by a U.S. Army veteran pledging allegiance to Islamic State.
British authorities have confirmed the identity of a British victim in the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans as 31-year-old Edward Pettifer from London.

Pettifer, whose stepmother was formerly a nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry, was among 14 people killed when a U.S. Army veteran rammed a truck into a crowd of revelers.

Family and Royal Tributes
In a statement issued by London’s Metropolitan Police, Pettifer’s family expressed their grief, calling his death 'devastating' and emphasizing the tragic loss felt by those close to him.

Prince William, speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Kate, expressed his condolences on social media: 'We are shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Ed's death in New Orleans.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.'

A royal source confirmed that King Charles was also deeply moved by the news and had reached out personally to the Pettifer family to extend his condolences.

Royal Connections
Edward Pettifer’s father, Charles Pettifer, a former British Army officer, married Tiggy Legge-Bourke in 1999.

Legge-Bourke served as nanny to William and Harry during their childhood, playing a significant role in their early lives.

The Pettifer family has maintained close ties with the British royal family.

Edward’s stepbrother, Tom Pettifer, served as a page at Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011.

The Attack
The attack, which claimed the lives of 14 people and injured dozens more, was carried out by a U.S. Army veteran who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

The incident sent shockwaves through the international community, highlighting the continued threat of terrorism.

Authorities in New Orleans are conducting a full investigation into the attack.

Global Condemnation
The New Orleans attack has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders and communities worldwide.

It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by extremist ideologies.

As tributes pour in for Edward Pettifer and the other victims, his connection to the British royal family underscores the broad impact of such tragedies, transcending borders and uniting individuals in shared grief and resilience.
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