Edward Pettifer lost his life in the Islamist attack which hit New Orleans on New Year's Eve. The 31-year-old Briton was none other than the stepson of “Tiggy”, emblematic governess of Charles III and “surrogate mother” of William and Harry.
His face, his name, his mark within the Crown sadly resurface in this new year which begins. On New Year's Eve, Edward Pettifer, stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, lost his life in the Islamist attack in New Orleans. The 31-year-old Briton had particularly close ties with the royal family since his mother-in-law was none other than William and Harry's former governess. Lady Di's fantasy rival at the time, she was often nicknamed by the media the “second mother” of the princely sons. Discreet but essential, Tiggy Legge-Bourke left an indelible mark on their education. A look back at the journey of this shadowy woman, whose role within the modern monarchy is inestimable.
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A childhood in the heart of the British aristocracy
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Born in 1965 in Great Britain, into an aristocratic family, Alexandra “Tiggy” Legge-Bourke grew up in Wales. His father, William Legge-Bourke (died 2009), was a former British army officer and close to the Windsors. For her part, the young girl began studying to become a teacher and obtained a position in a private school. However, in 1993, at the time of the tumultuous separation between Charles III – who was then Prince of Wales – and his wife Lady Diana, the latter left in search of a nanny for his two sons. His choice falls on the daughter of his friend William, a tall blonde with light eyes, a reassuring and maternal figure.
“Tiggy” Legge-Bourke is hired as Charles' personal assistant and nanny. Known for her cheerful personality and her pragmatism, the young woman, then aged 29, had the mission of offering stability to William and Harry and ensuring their development. Soon, she clearly stood out from her predecessors and other former governesses through her less formal approach to education. Probably due to her young age, Tiggy likes to get out, enjoy nature and take “her boys”, as she likes to call them, on getaways to the countryside, far from the constraints of royal life.
Faced with this trio and their great complicity, rumors quickly arose about a conflict between her and the mother of the two children, Princess Diana. Several tabloids of the time reported tensions exacerbated by – unfounded – rumors of a relationship between the governess and Prince Charles. These allegations will notably follow Lady Diana's shock interview by Martin Bashir for the BBC, where she claimed that Tiggy had become pregnant by her ex-husband and had an abortion. Unfounded comments that will tarnish the reputation of the journalist. Although he was never worried by the police, Tiggy will receive in 2021 – twenty-six years later – compensation of more than 100,000 pounds (around 116,000 euros) from the BBC.
Discreet but constant support
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Despite the controversies, Tiggy remained in post in the British palace until 1999, leaving her role when William was 17 and his brother, 15. Very discreet since her departure, Tiggy married the same year to Charles Pettifer, a former British army officer. The latter was the father of Edward, from his union with Camilla Wyatt, who lost his life in the Islamist attack in New Orleans on the night of December 31 to January 1, 2025. According to information from Hello MagazineCharles III would have telephoned the woman who had shared his daily life for many years, saying he was “very saddened” by this tragic news.
