Rosie Roche – Who Was Princes William and Harry’s 20-Year-Old Cousin & What Was Her Cause of Death?
A university student related to the royal family died suddenly, leading to an official investigation and a lot of sadness.
Many questions remain about what caused her unexpected death.
Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche, 20 years old and a cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, was found dead on July 14, 2025.
She was at her family home in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
Rosie was a talented student, known for her creativity and bright future.
Her death led to a formal inquest, and a coroner has revealed the cause.
Rosie was the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, so she was part of the Spencer family.
Her obituary called her a “darling daughter” to her parents, Hugh and Pippa Roche, and an “incredible sister” to her siblings, Agatha and Archie Roche.
Rosie’s mother and sister Agatha found her body.
They noticed she had been packing her bags for a trip with friends.
A weapon was found near the house, but Grant Davies, the local coroner, said the death was not suspicious and that no one else was involved.
On July 22, The Independent reported that Rosie died from a “traumatic head injury,” according to the coroner.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said there was still no suspicion of foul play.
“Our thoughts are with her family,” the spokesperson said.
“We ask that their privacy be respected during this very difficult time.”
Rosie was in her first year studying English Literature at Durham University.
The college principal, Wendy Powers, said Rosie had adjusted “beautifully” to university life and had many friends.
“She was loved for her creativity, energy, love of books, poetry, and travel, among many other talents.
She will be deeply missed,” Wendy said.
“We send our thoughts and condolences to Rosie’s family and friends and are offering support to those affected.”
Outside of official statements, pictures from Rosie’s life appear on her parents’ Facebook pages.
Her father’s profile shows photos from the late 2000s and early 2010s of his children growing up.
One photo shows Rosie on a horse with her mother smiling nearby.
Another shows Pippa with all three children sitting in a stroller with luggage, likely taken at an airport before a family trip.
There is also a picture of young Rosie riding a bike.
Pippa posted several pictures too, including one with all her children and a selfie with Rosie in front of a mountain view.
After Rosie was found, the Roche family held a private funeral.
They plan to announce a public memorial service later.
Sadly, this is not the only unexpected death in the extended British royal family recently.
In February 2024, Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, was found dead at his parents’ home with a gun nearby.
Thomas, 45, died in a village in the Cotswolds.
The Gloucestershire senior coroner, Katy Skerrett, said he had a “catastrophic head injury.”
The post-mortem showed the cause of death was a “traumatic wound to the head.”
Thomas was a financier.
On February 25, he had visited his parents for lunch.
After that, he was not seen again inside the house.
After 30 minutes, his mother started looking for him.
His father had to force open an outbuilding when they could not find Thomas.
He was found unresponsive with a gun nearby.
Emergency services came, but police found no signs of suspicious activity.
Months later, in October 2024, more details came out at a pre-inquest hearing.
Though Thomas’ death was first seen as non-suspicious, it was described as sudden and impulsive in court.
At Gloucester Coroner’s Court, Martin Porter KC, who spoke for the family, said they were told there might be a link between Thomas’ mental state and medication he was taking.
He asked the court not to focus only on the immediate cause of death.
Senior coroner Katy Skerrett agreed the role of the medication should be looked at during the inquest.
But she warned that proving a clear connection would be difficult.
Thomas’ parents attended the hearing.
His father, Martin Kingston, was expected to give evidence at the inquest.
Lady Gabriella did not attend.
Mr. Martin said there was no sign of long-term planning for the death.
“On the contrary,” he said, “there was planning for the future.”
After Thomas died, Lady Gabriella called him an “exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla also sent their condolences and “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to the family.
The coroner said she planned to finish the inquest before the end of the year to help the family find closure.
