The British royal family is currently mourning the unexpected loss of a young member of their extended family circle that has left behind a wave of grief and unanswered questions. The family member in question is a young cousin of Prince Harry and Prince William named Rosie Jeanne Roche.
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The incident took place earlier this month at a private residence in Wiltshire and has drawn widespread attention. Not all details have come out yet and officials are being cautious in their disclosures. Additionally, they have ruled out any suspicion of foul play. Here’s everything we know!
Prince Harry and William’s cousin found dead at the age of 20
Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche was found dead at her family’s home in Norton, Wiltshire, on the morning of July 14, 2025. Police and paramedics were called to the property shortly after 8 am, where the 20-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and a gun was recovered nearby.
According to a report from The Mirror, the incident occurred while Rosie was preparing for a trip with friends and was found dead next to a gun. She was reportedly discovered by her mother and younger sister. The news has sent ripples of grief through both her local community and the wider public, given her family ties to the late Princess Diana—whose rare and unseen photo was just revealed.
Wiltshire and Swindon’s senior coroner, Grant Davies, later confirmed the cause of death as a ‘traumatic head injury.’ However, the authorities have ruled out any third-party involvement. The case is not being treated as suspicious, and an inquest has been adjourned until October 25. As of now, no official statement has been released by the Royal Family.
Who was Rosie Roche?
Born on June 21, 2005, Rosie Roche was the daughter of Hugh and Pippa Roche and the granddaughter of the late Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy. This made her a cousin of Prince William and Harry through their mother, Princess Diana. She also had two younger siblings, Archie and Agatha.
Rosie was a first-year student of English Literature at Durham University and was known to be ‘creative, energetic and kind.’ According to People, she was passionate about literature, poetry, and travel, and was a thoughtful and talented student.
An obituary published in The Yorkshire Post described her as a ‘darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long.’ It is understood that a private funeral service was held just for close family, and a memorial is expected to be planned for a later date. In the meantime, the family has requested privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
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Sources used:
Mirror: Rosie Roche dead: Prince William and Harry's cousin, 20, found dead next to a gun
People: What to Know About Prince William and Prince Harry’s Cousin Rosie Roche, Who Was Found Dead with Gun Nearby
