Who was Rosie Roche? Prince William and Prince Harry’s Cousin Found Dead in Wiltshire

Rosie Roche, a distant cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, was found dead at her family’s home in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, at the age of 20. A firearm was discovered near her body. The tragedy occurred while she was packing for a trip with friends.

The heartbreaking discovery was made by her mother and sister, as confirmed during an inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court. Police have ruled her death non-suspicious, stating there was no third-party involvement. The inquest has been adjourned until October 25, 2025.

Who Was Rosie Roche?

Rosie Roche was part of the extended British royal family. She was the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s maternal uncle, Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy, making her a distant cousin to William and Harry.

Family Background:

• Father: Edmund Hugh Burke Roche, 53

• Mother: Phillipa Kate Victoria Long

• Grandfather: Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy (died by suicide in 1984)

Education & Interests:

• Rosie was in her second year studying English Literature at Durham University, one of the UK’s top academic institutions.

• She previously attended St Mary’s Calne, a prestigious all-girls boarding school in Wiltshire.

• According to her LinkedIn profile, she was deeply interested in literature, writing, and the arts.

• Rosie was described as well-liked within the Durham community and was fondly remembered by students and staff. A statement from the university noted that she “will be sorely missed.”

Royal Tragedies: A Painful Pattern

The death of Rosie Roche comes just over a year after the February 2024 suicide of Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his parents’ home. Although both tragedies involve extended members of the royal family and firearms, officials have confirmed the deaths are unrelated.

Private Funeral and Public Memorial

Rosie’s funeral will be held privately, in accordance with her family’s wishes. A public memorial service is also being planned, where friends, peers, and well-wishers can pay their respects.

Mental Health Awareness

Rosie’s untimely death has once again brought mental health issues within high-pressure environments like aristocratic families and elite academic institutions into focus. The tragic pattern of suicides within aristocratic circles—often silent and stigmatized—calls for more robust conversations, awareness, and mental health support.