Today’s Family members are often among the first to express their condolences to the families of those who have been affected by serious crime incidents.
But it impacts them in a devastatingly personal way.
King Charles and Prince William were informed through official channels that Edward Pettifer, 31, had been Killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Day..
Pettifer, from Chelsea, was the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny, Alexandra Pettifer, better known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke.
From ski holidays to school visits, Mrs Legge-Bourke was known for being the brothers’ “favourite nanny”, having looked after them between 1993 and 1999.
She was considered a calming presence during poignant and tumultuous times, including her parents’ divorce and the death of her mother, Princess Diana.
She was the princess’s older sister, a bond so deep that the families remain in each other’s lives.
Legge-Bourke attended both weddings with her son, Tom, Pettifer’s half-brother, who was a page boy at Prince William and Princess Kate’s 2011 wedding.
Prince Harry is godfather to her other son, while she is godmother to her son, Prince Archie.
Read more:
What we know about the suspect
Did New Orleans authorities fail the victims?
The King is understood to be deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Pettifer and has personally contacted the family to share his condolences.
Kensington Palace has also reached out to the Pettifer family following the tragic death of their eldest son.
Prince William says he and the Princess of Wales are deeply “shocked and saddened” by the news.
They, like Mr. Pettifer’s family – and the families of the other 13 victims of this atrocious attack – are devastated.
