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Rosie Roche, a relative of Prince William and Prince Harry, has passed away at the age of 20.
The Wiltshire and Swindon coroner confirmed that Rosie Roche, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s late uncle, was discovered deceased by her close family members at her residence in Wiltshire County, England on July 14.
Roche’s death was attributed to a “traumatic head injury.” The coroner mentioned that a “firearm was found nearby.” The coroner’s office clarified that “there are no suspicious circumstances or involvement of a third party.”
The Times reported that Roche was found by her mother and sister at their home. She was reportedly packing for a trip with her friends.
Roche was the granddaughter of Diana’s uncle, Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy. Edmund’s sister was the late princess’s mother, Frances Shand Kydd. Kydd had five children, including Diana, with her first husband, John Spencer, Viscount Althorp.
Diana, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1997 at the age of 36, was the mother of William, 43, and Harry, 40, whom she shared with King Charles III, 76.
An obituary for Roche was printed in the Yorkshire Post on July 19. “Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke. Passed away on Monday 14th July 2025. Beloved daughter of Hugh and Pippa, amazing sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long,” the obituary stated.
“Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date,” it added.
Roche was a first-year student at Durham University in Durham, England, studying English literature. Following Roche’s untimely death, Professor Wendy Powers, the principal of Durham University’s University College, issued a statement to the Times.
“University College staff and students are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rosie Roche,” Powers expressed.
Powers noted that Roche “had settled into the university and college beautifully and had lots of friends.”
She added, “She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents. 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.”
Prior to attending Durham University, Roche was a student at St Mary’s Calne, an independent boarding and day school for girls in Wiltshire.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our former pupil, Rosie Roche, who left St Mary’s Calne at the end of the UVI (Year 13) in 2023,” the school expressed in a statement to the Times. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosie’s family and all who loved her during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Rosie was a cherished member of our community, and she will be remembered with great affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” the statement continued.
“When we return for the new term, we will hold a time of reflection in her memory to honor her life and the wonderful impact she had on those around her. Support is being offered to all those affected at this extremely difficult time.”
