Rosie Roche, a 20-year-old distant cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, was found dead earlier this month with a shotgun nearby, an inquest has revealed.
The tragic discovery was made on July 14 at Rosie’s home in Norton, Wiltshire, where she was found by her mother and sister. According to Metro, she had been in the process of packing for a trip with friends when the incident occurred.
Rosie, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, was studying English Literature at Durham University and had been described by those who knew her as bright, compassionate, and full of promise.
Wiltshire Coroner Grant Davies confirmed that authorities have ruled out foul play. “Police have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement,” he said during the initial inquest proceedings.
The Roche family issued a short statement expressing their grief and heartbreak over the loss of Rosie. “She will be sorely missed,” a family spokesperson said, per The Sun. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through both her local community and those familiar with her extended royal connections.
An obituary published in the Yorkshire Post paid tribute to Rosie’s memory, describing her as a beloved member of a close-knit family. “Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke. Died on Monday 14th July 2025. Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long. Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date.”
Rosie came from a family with longstanding ties to the British aristocracy. Her grandfather, the 5th Baron Fermoy, Princess Diana’s uncle, died by suicide in 1984, also involving a firearm. That historical connection, coupled with the tragic circumstances of Rosie’s death, has renewed conversations around mental health.
Friends and peers at Durham University have described Rosie as a thoughtful and intelligent young woman who was deeply engaged in her studies and looking forward to the future. Her death has left classmates and faculty stunned.
Mental health charities have responded to the news by urging young people who are struggling to reach out for support. “This is an unimaginable loss for the family and community,” said a spokesperson for Mind, a leading mental health organization. “We encourage anyone experiencing emotional distress to speak to someone, whether a friend, family member, or professional.”
The inquest into Rosie’s death is expected to continue in the coming weeks as more details are gathered. Meanwhile, the Roche family plans to hold a private memorial to honor her life and legacy.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the UK, you can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for more resources. In the US, you can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.