Prince William has expressed his grief over the death of his son's former nanny during the attack in New Orleans

Prince William expressed his shock and sadness on Saturday at the news of the death of his adopted son during the New Orleans truck attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens of others.

The London Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday that they are supporting the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, including assisting them in the process of returning his body to the UK. Pettifer was from west London.

In a statement released on social media, the Prince of Wales said he and his wife, Catherine, were “shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically affected by this horrific attack.”

Pettifer was the son of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was nanny to both William and his brother, Prince Harry, between 1993 and 1999, which included the period after the death of their mother Princess Diana in 1997. Legge-Bourke, who is also a mother. known as Alexandra Pettifer, was often photographed with Diana.

British media also reported that King Charles is said to be very saddened by the news and has sent his condolences to Pettifer's family.

In a statement, Pettifer's family said they were “saddened by the tragic news of Ed's death” and described him as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many.”

“We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost family members as a result of this terrible attack,” the family said.

The UK Foreign Office also said it was supporting Pettifer's family and was in contact with US authorities.

Authorities say 14 people were killed and about 30 injured in the attack early Wednesday by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US soldier who posted several videos on his Facebook hours before the attack previewing the violence he would unleash and declaring his support for the force. The Islamic State terrorist group. The coroner's office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “unexplained injuries.”

Jabbar, 42, was shot and killed during a shootout with police at the scene of the crash on Bourbon Street, known around the world for its vibe in New Orleans' French Quarter.