The British royal family is once again mourning a tragic loss. Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche, a 20-year-old cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, has died in what authorities describe as a non-suspicious incident. The devastating news, which surfaced in mid-July, has sparked an outpouring of grief and sorrow, not only from her family but also from her university community and the wider public who followed the story with concern and compassion.
Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche was found deceased at her family’s home in Wiltshire on July 14, 2025. The discovery was made by her mother and sister, just as Rosie was preparing for an upcoming holiday with friends. A firearm was discovered close to her body, and following the initial investigation, it was confirmed that Rosie died of a “traumatic head injury.”
Despite the presence of a gun, authorities have ruled out any third-party involvement and are treating the death as non-suspicious. These findings were confirmed by Coroner Grant Davies, and supported by Wiltshire Police who added that their thoughts are with the grieving family during this heartbreaking time.
Rosie Roche was the granddaughter of Edmund Roche, the 5th Baron Fermoy, who was the uncle of Princess Diana. This connection made Rosie a cousin to both Prince William and Prince Harry, albeit more distantly on the aristocratic family tree. While she did not often appear in the public spotlight, her place within the broader royal lineage brings added attention to the tragic circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.
A Shocking and Heartbreaking Discovery
The events leading up to death of Cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry paint a picture of a young woman in the prime of her life. She was reportedly packing for a holiday with friends when tragedy struck. Her mother and sister, alarmed by her sudden unresponsiveness, made the grim discovery of her body within the family home in Wiltshire. A firearm was discovered nearby, adding an especially somber and unsettling element to the case.
Reports from local media, including The Independent, the Gazette and Herald, and the Daily Mail, confirmed that the 20-year-old died from a traumatic head injury. This detail was officially shared by the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner, although the office did not immediately respond to some press inquiries.
Coroner Grant Davies later clarified that the police “have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.” These words, while offering clarity, also underscore the tragic and personal nature of the loss, rather than suggesting foul play.
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Wiltshire Police confirmed the coroner’s findings in a public statement, noting that “there are no suspicious circumstances” related to Rosie Roche’s death. Their statement added that “our thoughts are with her family,” signaling the authorities’ sensitivity to the profound loss experienced by all who knew her.
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The gun found near her body has not led to any public speculation from law enforcement, as the case has been treated with great care and discretion. No criminal investigation is expected to follow, as officials continue to support the family in their time of grief.
A Young Life of Promise and Passion
Rosie Roche was not only linked to British aristocracy—she was also an ambitious and intelligent young woman. A student at Durham University, she was studying English Literature, a discipline that seemed to resonate deeply with her interests and talents. Known for her creativity, passion for reading, and love of poetry, Rosie left an impression on those around her both academically and personally.
Wendy Powers, Principal of University College at Durham University, spoke publicly about the collective mourning felt on campus. She described Rosie as a beloved member of the university community, someone who was “loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents.” The principal’s words paint a portrait of a vibrant and promising student, whose presence will be sorely missed by her peers and professors alike.
The university has not released further details about any memorials or tributes planned on campus, but there is no doubt that Rosie Roche’s memory will continue to live on within the halls of Durham and in the hearts of those who knew her. Fellow students and friends are reportedly still reeling from the news, and grief counseling services have been made available to support the university community.
The obituary published by the Yorkshire Post on July 19, 2025, reflected the deep love and pride felt by Rosie’s family. It read, “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.” It also stated that “a memorial service will be held at a later date,” a gathering that will likely see friends, family, and well-wishers come together to honor the young life that ended far too soon.
Grief in the Royal Circle and the Public Eye
Though Rosie was not a central figure in public royal events, her familial ties to Princess Diana—and by extension, Prince William and Prince Harry—have thrust her death into the public spotlight. She was related through Diana’s maternal side, the Spencer family, with Edmund Roche being the 5th Baron Fermoy and Diana’s uncle. This aristocratic connection brought Rosie within the broader royal family circle, making her a distant cousin of the two princes.
While neither Prince William nor Prince Harry has publicly commented on the loss, it’s evident that this tragedy has affected the royal family deeply. Sources close to the royals have indicated that the princes are aware of the situation and are offering their condolences to Rosie’s immediate family. The royal family’s spokeswoman told The Sun that the young royal relative “will be sorely missed.”
Both Prince William and Prince Harry have previously spoken about the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing, often in very personal terms. Harry, in particular, has been vocal about the psychological scars left by the early loss of their mother, Princess Diana, and his commitment to creating a more open dialogue around grief and trauma. While there is no official statement linking these themes to Rosie’s passing, the emotional resonance of another young life lost will no doubt strike a personal chord with them.
For the public, the death of Rosie Roche serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be, even among the privileged and well-connected. Mental health, emotional pressure, and personal struggles affect people from all walks of life, regardless of lineage, background, or social status.
This tragedy may also reopen broader conversations in the United Kingdom about the accessibility of firearms and the importance of emotional support for young adults navigating academic, personal, and societal expectations.
The royal family, already enduring a year of public scrutiny and private challenges, now faces another blow. Yet, amid the mourning, Rosie is remembered not just for who she was related to, but for who she was—a thoughtful, bright, and beloved young woman with dreams, talents, and a beautiful spirit.
As her family prepares for a memorial in her honor, the world reflects on the painful loss of a life filled with promise. Her memory, preserved in the hearts of her family and friends, will continue to echo through the words she loved, the books she cherished, and the lives she touched.