Prince William Gives Heartbroken Statement After Former Nanny’s Stepson Died In ‘Horrific’ New Orleans Attack

Prince William is paying tribute to a fallen friend.

The British royal has a personal connection to the deadly New Year’s Day attack that happened in New Orleans — one of the victims who lost their life was Ed Pettifer, the stepson of his former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke. Over the weekend, the 42-year-old future King of England took to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account to pay tribute on behalf of himself and Princess Catherine:

“Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic passing 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.”

So, so sad.

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According to local police, Ed died of “blunt force injuries” after an attacker drove a rental truck through a packed crowd of people on Bourbon Street.

Our hearts are with all those affected.

[Images via MEGA/WENN]