A cousin of Princes William and Harry has tragically been found dead at her family home, with a firearm discovered nearby, an inquest revealed yesterday.
Rosie Roche, 20, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, was discovered by her mother and sister on 14 July at their residence in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
According to reports shared at the Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court, Rosie had been packing for a trip with friends before the incident occurred.
The investigation, opened on Monday and adjourned until 25 October, confirmed that a firearm was found close to her body.
Area coroner Grant Davies stated that police have “deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.”
Rosie had been pursuing a degree in English Literature at Durham University. In a brief tribute, a university spokeswoman said she “will be sorely missed”.
The shocking discovery has cast a shadow over the extended royal family, as Rosie is distantly related to Princes William and Harry through their late mother, Princess Diana.
Royal Circles Shaken Again
This marks the second tragedy to hit the wider royal family in recent months. In February 2024, Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston – another cousin of William and Harry – also died from a head injury, with a firearm found nearby.
Gloucestershire’s senior coroner, Katy Skerrett, later confirmed Mr Kingston had taken his own life, recording a narrative verdict.
A source close to the investigation into Rosie’s death noted that the firearm found was legally held by a family member. However, full details are expected to emerge during the inquest proceedings later this year.
No Comment from Family
Both Rosie’s relatives and a spokesman for Prince William have chosen not to comment at this time, respecting the privacy of the family during an immensely difficult period.
“She was full of life, bright and driven – it’s just impossible to believe she’s gone,” said a family friend, visibly shaken by the news.
Rosie’s death has sent ripples of grief through her local community and among her peers at university. Friends and acquaintances have begun leaving floral tributes outside the family’s countryside home.
A quiet village. A brilliant student. A family in mourning. Rosie Roche’s untimely death is a haunting reminder of the fragility of life – even among those born into public legacy.
The inquest will resume on 25 October, when further details are expected to be made public.
