A 20-year-old cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry has been found dead at her family home in Wiltshire, with a firearm discovered near her body, an inquest has heard.
Rosie Roche, a Durham University student studying English Literature, was discovered by her mother Pippa and sister Agatha at their property in Norton, near Malmesbury, on Monday, 14 July. The undergraduate had been packing for a trip away with friends when the tragedy occurred.
Area Coroner Grant Davies told the inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon coroner’s court that police “have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.” The hearing was opened on Sunday and adjourned until 25 October.
Royal Family Connections
Ms Roche was the granddaughter of Edmund Roche, the 5th Baron Fermoy, who was Princess Diana’s uncle. Her great-grandmother, Lady Ruth Fermoy, served as a Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen Mother for 30 years and was a significant figure in royal circles, having advised King Charles III about his marriage to Diana.
The tragedy carries particular resonance for the royal family, as Ms Roche’s grandfather took his own life with a firearm at his home, Eddington House in Hungerford, in August 1984. The 5th Baron Fermoy had suffered from depression for a long period before his death at age 45.
Princess Diana received the news with shock and sadness,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said at the time of Lord Fermoy’s death.
Emergency Response
Emergency services responded to the serious incident at approximately 1pm on Monday. An ambulance, three ambulance officers, two firearms officers and numerous local response officers attended the scene in the rural Wiltshire village.
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “This relates to the sudden death of a woman in her 20s. There are no suspicious circumstances and our thoughts are with her family. We would ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”
The student was the eldest child of Edmund Hugh Burke Roche, 53, and his wife Phillipa Kate Victoria Long. Her father is a scion of the Barons Fermoy.
University Life and Tributes
Ms Roche had been studying for a degree in English Literature at Durham University, where she was reportedly active in campus theatre and poetry slams. Despite her royal connections, she maintained a relatively private life, with her social media highlighting volunteer work.
A family spokesman said the 20-year-old “will be sorely missed.” An obituary published in The Yorkshire Post read: “Roche, 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.”
The death notice added: “Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date.”
Recent Royal Tragedies
The tragedy comes just over a year after Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, died from a head injury with a gun found near his body at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds in February 2024. Lady Gabriella is another cousin of Princes William and Harry.
An inquest in December heard that Mr Kingston, 45, had been prescribed sertraline and zopiclone by a GP at the Royal Mews Surgery, a practice at Buckingham Palace, after complaining of trouble sleeping following stress at work. He had stopped taking his medication days before his death.
Senior coroner Katy Skerrett recorded a narrative conclusion, stating: “Mr Kingston took his own life using a shotgun which caused a severe traumatic wound to the head. The evidence of his wife, family and business partner all supports his lack of suicidal intent. He was suffering adverse effects of medication he had recently been prescribed.”
Lady Gabriella said in a statement at the inquest that she believed an “adverse reaction” to medication had contributed to his death. “If this could happen to Tom, this could happen to anyone,” she said.
Mental Health Support at Durham
Durham University offers comprehensive mental health support services to its students, including a Counselling and Mental Health Service that provides six free sessions to all students. The university has developed a Health and Wellbeing Strategy and operates a 24-hour crisis support system.
Each college within the university has a dedicated student support team, and the institution works alongside NHS services to provide on-campus support. Durham Nightline, a confidential listening service run by students for students, operates every night during term time from 9pm to 7am.
The university’s mental health policy acknowledges that whilst most students with mental health difficulties navigate their university careers successfully through a combination of self-care, pastoral support and specialist services, some experience greater challenges managing the impact on their safety and wellbeing.
Wider Family Impact
Ms Roche’s death represents another tragic loss for the extended Spencer-Roche family. Her grandfather’s sister, Frances Shand Kydd, was Princess Diana’s mother, making Ms Roche a second cousin once removed to Princes William and Harry.
The Fermoy family has maintained close connections to the British royal family for generations. Ms Roche’s great-great-grandfather, the 4th Baron Fermoy, was a Conservative Member of Parliament who married Ruth Gill in 1931. Their daughter Frances married John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and became the mother of Diana, Princess of Wales.
A spokesman for Prince William declined to comment on the tragedy. Neither Prince William nor Prince Harry has made any public statement regarding their cousin’s death.
Investigation Continues
Whilst police have ruled out third-party involvement and deemed the death non-suspicious, the coroner’s investigation will continue until the resumed hearing in October. The inquest process will examine the circumstances surrounding Ms Roche’s death and may make recommendations if appropriate.
The tragedy has reopened discussions about mental health support for young adults, particularly those in high-pressure environments or from prominent families. Experts note that university students face unique challenges, with many experiencing stress related to academic pressures, social transitions and future uncertainties.
Dr Sarah Williams, a mental health researcher at King’s College London, said: “Young adults at university are at a particularly vulnerable stage of life. It’s crucial that support services are readily accessible and that students know help is available.”
Support Services
Mental health charities have emphasised the importance of seeking help during difficult times. The Samaritans provide a 24/7 confidential listening service on 116 123, whilst students can access support through their university services or NHS mental health teams.
For those bereaved by suicide, organisations such as Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) offer specialised support. The charity notes that each suicide affects an average of 135 people, creating ripple effects throughout families and communities.
The coroner’s full findings are expected to be delivered at the resumed inquest on 25 October, which may provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding Ms Roche’s death and any factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
