Prince William ‘saddened’ at death of former nanny’s stepson in New Orleans truck attack

Edward Pettifer was stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, nanny to William and Harry. Pettifer is final victim to be identified in New Year attack

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Edward Pettifer, stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke, died in the New Year truck attack in New Orleans. Photo: Metropolitan Police / Handout via Reuters

Published: 1:05am, 5 Jan 2025

Prince William expressed his shock and sadness on Saturday at the news of the death of his former nanny’s stepson in the New Year truck attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people.

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday that they are supporting the family of 31-year-old Edward Pettifer, including helping them through the process of returning his body to the UK. Pettifer, who is from west London, is the final victim to be identified.

In a statement on social media, the Prince of Wales said he and his wife, Kate Middleton, were “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”.

Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was the nanny for both William and his brother, Prince Harry, between 1993 and 1999, which included time after the death of their mother Princess Diana in 1997. Legge-Bourke, who is also known as Alexandra Pettifer, was regularly photographed with Diana.

Pettifer’s half-brother Tom is one of William’s godsons and was a page boy at his wedding in 2011.

British media also reported that King Charles is said to be deeply saddened by the news and that he has sent his condolences to Pettifer’s family.

It was “understood the King was … deeply saddened, and had been in touch with the family to share personal condolences”, the UK’s Press Association news agency said in a report.