King Charles III Expresses Condolences Over New Orleans Tragedy Involving British Victim

King Charles III expressed his sorrow on Saturday upon learning that Edward Pettifer, 31, a British relative of his sons’ former nanny, was among the victims of the truck-ramming incident in New Orleans.

The UK’s Press Association reported that the King had personally reached out to the Pettifer family to convey his condolences, stating that he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared their condolences on social media, stating they were “shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer.” They sent their thoughts and prayers to the Pettifer family and others affected by the incident, with Kensington Palace adding, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”

Edward Pettifer’s half-brother, Tom, is Prince William’s godson and served as a page boy at the royal wedding in 2011.

Edward’s mother, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who became Pettifer after marriage, had been appointed by King Charles in 1993 as the nanny to Princes William and Harry following the royal separation. The Pettifer family has maintained close ties with the royal household.

The Pettifer family issued a statement describing Edward as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many.”

The tragic incident occurred on January 1 when a US army veteran, reportedly aligned with the Islamic State group, drove a pickup truck into crowds in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The attacker was later killed by police.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also expressed his condolences on X, offering British support to the Pettifer family and solidarity with the US in the fight against terrorism.