The deadly New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans hit close to home for Prince William and Prince Harry.
London’s Metropolitan Police has identified Edward “Ed” Pettifer—stepson of the brothers’ former nanny Alexandra Pettifer, also known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke—as one of the victims.
“Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer,” William said in a message posted on his and wife Kate Middleton‘s Instagram Stories Jan. 4. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”
Ed’s family also spoke out about the death of the 31-year-old. “He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many,” they said in a statement posted on the website of the Metropolitan Police Jan. 4. “We will all miss him terribly.”
The statement continued, “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.”