The Prince of Wales said he was shocked and saddened by the death of his former nanny’s stepson in the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans.

Edward Pettifer, 31, was one of 14 people killed when a pickup truck drove through a crowd in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Prince William said: “Catherine and I were shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all the innocent people tragically affected by this horrific attack.”

It is understood King Charles has contacted his family to express his personal condolences after being informed of the news through official channels.

Pettifer, from Chelsea, west London, was the stepson of Alexandra Pettifer, formerly known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was William and Harry’s nanny from 1993 to 1999, including during the death of her mother Diana.

The New Orleans coroner listed Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries.”

Pettifer’s family issued a statement through the Metropolitan Police confirming his death. They said: “The entire family is devastated by the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to so many.

“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who lost family members in this horrific attack. We ask that we, as a family, be able to grieve the loss of Ed privately. Thank you very much.”

The Foreign Office said it was supporting the victim’s family and was in contact with US authorities.

Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer and Camilla Wyatt, the Telegraph reported. They separated in the mid-1990s and Pettifer married Legge-Bourke, the newspaper said. They had two sons who are godsons of William and Harry.

Foreign Minister David Lammy said on Saturday: “I am extremely saddened by the tragic news that a British man was among those killed in the New Orleans attack. “We support her family and stand united with the US in the fight against terrorist threats.”

Fourteen people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly plowed a pickup truck through the crowd of revelers celebrating the New Year.

The 42-year-old Texan allegedly exited the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.

The FBI said it was investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies were concerned about the possibility of a copycat attack.

A report seen by Reuters said the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center believed they were “likely to remain attractive to would-be attackers.”

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The Met Police said family liaison officers had supported Pettifer’s family and helped them repatriate his body to the UK.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a news conference that the victims and their families were “important” to the entire city. “Our hearts and prayers continue to be with the families of the victims,” she said.

The New Orleans coroner said one of those killed remained unidentified, the others were from the United States, the youngest was 18 and the oldest was 63.

The suspect is believed to have acted alone. The FBI confirmed that an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and explosive devices were found nearby.

Police officials told The Associated Press that bomb-making materials were found at Jabbar’s home during a search after the attack. He booked the rental of the pickup on November 14th.

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden said the attacker posted a video suggesting he was inspired by the Islamic State.

Condemnation of the terrorist attack came from Great Britain, France, Germany and Mexico, among others.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific. “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.”

The New Orleans coroner’s office released the names of all but one of those killed in the attack.

They are: Drew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama; Kareem Badawi, 18, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Brandon Taylor, 43, of Harvey, Louisiana; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana; Matthew Tenedorio, 25, of Picayune, Mississippi; Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi; Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie, Louisiana; Reggie Hunter, 37, of Prairieville, Louisiana; Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27, originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, and residing in New York City; Terrence Kennedy, 63, of New Orleans; Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana; William DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey.