Prince William and Kate Mourn Nanny's Stepson in New Orleans Attack

Prince William and Princess Kate expressed their sadness over the tragic death of Edward Pettifer, the stepson of their former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke, in a New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans.

"Catherine and I have been 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. W."

King Charles was also informed of Mr. Pettifer's death and is said to be deeply saddened by the news. He has been in touch with the family to offer his personal condolences.

Mr. Pettifer, 31, was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer and Camilla Wyatt. His parents divorced in the 1990s, and his father went on to marry Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was the nanny for Prince William and Prince Harry from 1993 to 1999.

The New Orleans coroner gave Mr. Pettifer's preliminary cause of death as "blunt force injuries." The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are supporting the family of Mr. Pettifer, who was killed in the attack on Bourbon Street.

"The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed's death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many. We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack. We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you."

Authorities have confirmed that 14 people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly ploughed a pick-up truck through crowds of New Year revellers. The attack took place in the city's popular French Quarter at around 3.15am local time on New Year's Day. The New Orleans coroner added that one of those killed remains unidentified, with the others coming from the US - the youngest aged 18 and the oldest 63.