The body of a young woman, related to Prince William and Prince Harry, was found lifeless next to a weapon in her family home.
“She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents,” a statement said.
Her family is expected to have a private funeral and memorial service.
Prince William and Prince Harry’s relative was found lifeless in her family home
Image credits: Paul Grover- WPA Pool / Getty Images
Trigger warning: this article contains details of self-harm that may be distressing to some.
Rosie Roche was supposedly packing for a holiday with friends when her mother and sister found her unresponsive next to a firearm.
Her body was discovered at the family home in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wilts, on July 14.
Image credits: Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images
The deceased youngster is a member of Princess Diana’s family and is a second cousin to Prince William and Prince Harry.
Rosie was born on June 21, 2005, as the granddaughter of the late Edmund Roche 5th Baron Fermoy, who was Princess Diana’s uncle.
The 5th Baron Fermoy lost his life in 1984 when he fatally shot himself.
Rosie Roche was related to the princes through their mother, Princess Diana’s, side of the family
Image credits: Martin Keene – PA Images / Getty Images
After Rosie was found unresponsive next to a weapon, an inquest was opened and later adjourned until October this year.
Her passing was deemed “non-suspicious,” and “there was no third-party involvement,” according to the area coroner Grant Davies.
“Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke … Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long,” her family said in an obituary published in the Yorkshire Post.
“Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date,” the message added.
Image credits: agedorgallery / X
Rosie was an English Literature student at Durham University.
Her passing was acknowledged by the university’s principal, Professor Wendy Powers.
“University College staff and students are extremely saddened by the tragic death of Rosie Roche,” the principal said in a statement.
The Durham University student was found next to a firearm by her mother and sister
Image credits: Ivan Barefield / YouTube (not the actual photo)
Professor Wendy said the deceased youngster was a first-year student and had settled into the university “beautifully and had lots of friends.”
“She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents,” the statement added. “She will be sorely missed.”
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Rosie’s family and friends, and we are offering support to those affected at this extremely difficult time,” the principal added.
Image credits: Samir Hussein / Getty Images
Rosie’s passing came about a year after another unexpected passing of the royal family’s relative.
Thomas Kingston, the husband of King Charles III’s second cousin Lady Gabriella Kingston, was found with a head injury in February 2024.
A firearm was discovered near his body.
Lady Gabriella, the second cousin of King Charles III, said her husband ended his own life as an “impulsive action,” described as an outcome of sleep and anxiety medication.
Rosie’s passing came months after the unexpected passing of another member related to Prince Harry and Prince William
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Buckingham Palace said at the time that the King and Queen were “grieving a much-loved member of the family.”
“In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family,” the statement added.
Princess Diana lost her life in a car crash at the age of 36 in August 1997. Her romantic interest Dodi Al Fayed was also in the car and passed away in the accident.
Prince William was 15 and Prince Harry was 12 at the time.
Netizens shared condolences to Rosie’s family after the news of the youngster’s passing.
“This poor family,” one said, while another wrote, “A sad loss still for all concerned.”
“Why do rich people feel the need to take their own life once they have problems they can’t fix with money?” one asked online
Image credits: Kirsty O’Connor – WPA Pool / Getty Images
“Guess their family has issues just like the rest of the world. So sorry for your loss,” said another.
“20 is so young,” read another comment. “Condolences to the family.”
“That’s the second one that’s blew their brains out,” one speculated.
Some questioned whether Prince William and Prince Harry had even met Rosie since she was a second cousin on their deceased mother’s side.
“I’m sure they have never met her,” read one comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or thoughts of ending their own life, help is available: International Hotlines
