Rosie Roche, a 20-year-old cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, was found dead on July 14 at her family’s home in Wiltshire, England, according to multiple British media outlets. Authorities confirmed that a firearm was found near her body, and that she died of a traumatic head injury.
Her mother and sister discovered her body in the village of Norton, The Times (U.K.) reported.
Roche, a first-year English literature student at Durham University, had reportedly been seen packing her bags with friends shortly before the incident.
Death Ruled “Non-Suspicious”
While police have not officially labeled the incident a suicide, a coroner involved in the case, Grant Davies, told The Independent that there was no third-party involvement, and authorities have ruled her death “non-suspicious.”
“There was a firearm found nearby,” Davies said. “Rosie died from a traumatic head injury.”
Royal Family Connection
Roche was connected to the British royal family through her grandfather, Edmund Roche, the 5th Baron Fermoy and uncle to Princess Diana. In a tragic parallel, Edmund Roche died by suicide in 1984, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while battling depression.
The royal family has not yet issued a public statement, and Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, according to People magazine.
Academic Community and School Mourn Loss
Durham University confirmed Roche’s death in a statement from University College principal Wendy Powers:
“Rosie had settled into the university and college beautifully… She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel. She will be sorely missed.”
Her former school, St. Mary’s Calne, also issued a tribute:
“Rosie was a cherished member of our community… We will hold a time of reflection in her memory to honor her life and the impact she had.”
