Prince William Shares His Heartbreak Over Former Nanny’s Stepson, Ed Pettifer, Losing Life in a New Orleans Tragedy
In a heartfelt message, Prince William conveyed deep sorrow on hearing the tragic news that his former nanny’s stepson, Ed Pettifer, had passed away following a horrific incident in New Orleans over the New Year’s holiday.
Prince William, alongside his wife Princess Kate Middleton, wrote on Instagram, sharing how deeply they were both affected by Ed’s unexpected demise. “Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer,” William expressed, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.” The message was personally signed off with a “W,” denoting Prince William himself.
The incident unfolded when a 42-year-old man from Texas drove a rented vehicle into a bustling crowd on Bourbon Street, a busy tourist area in New Orleans, on January 1. Ed Pettifer, aged 31, was tragically one of the 14 lives lost that day. The driver was later shot and killed in an exchange with law enforcement.
Family, Friends, and the Community Reflect on Hugely Sad Loss
In a statement shared with the London Metropolitan Police, Ed Pettifer’s family expressed their devastation over his death, emphasizing the significant role he played in their lives. They described him as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many,” and added, “We will all miss him terribly.” They continued, extending their sympathy to other families impacted by the tragic event and requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
Ed Pettifer’s connection to the royal family comes through his stepmother, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as a nanny to Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, during their childhood. Notably, Tiggy was more than just a caregiver—she was a significant figure in the young royals’ lives, earning deep admiration and affection.
Insights on the Royal Family and Their Generational Dynamics
In his memoir ‘Spare,’ Prince Harry had shared fond memories of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, mentioning how she was seen as a friend rather than just a nanny, despite his mother, Princess Diana, viewing Tiggy in a somewhat competitive light. This glimpse into the royal family’s household dynamics underscores Tiggy’s lasting bond with William and Harry.
As time moved on, the dynamics within the family also shifted. Prince Harry named his memoir in reference to the historical concept of being William’s “spare” in the royal succession line. While William is directly next in line to the British throne, Harry stood in line until William’s children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—were born, after which Harry moved to fifth place. In 2020, he chose to step back from his official royal duties and now resides in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children.
The Response from the Global Community
Though Prince Harry has not issued a public statement regarding Pettifer’s passing, the outpouring of condolences and support from around the world highlights the broader impact of this tragic event. The tragedy reminds us all of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones.
The sense of mourning shared across families and communities reflects not just the singular tragedy but the interconnected grief and humanity we all hold. As memories of Ed Pettifer are shared, those who knew him celebrate his life and the joy he brought into the world, providing solace in a time of heartache.
