Another royal tragedy: Harry and William's cousin found dead with firearm, age 20

Gun tragedy

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

Rosie Roche, Prince William and Harry's cousin, who was only 20, was found dead on the 14th July next to a gun.

Cousin to the two Princes

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

Rosie Roche is the granddaughter of Princess Diana's uncle. She was studying English Literature at Durham University and was due to go on holiday...

Body discovered

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

20-year-old Rosie was found by her mother and sister, with a firearm found near her at the family home in Wiltshire.

Image shows Salisbury Cathedral in Ms Roche's home county of Wiltshire

Planning a trip

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

She was found at her home where she had been packing for a trip away with friends.

Image shows her home county of Wiltshire.

No foul play

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

After the inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon coroner’s court, area coroner Grant Davies said police “have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement”. However, the inquest has been adjourned until October 25.

More tragedy

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

Roche’s death follows the sad passing of Thomas Kingston in February 2024. He was Lady Gabriella Kingston's husband, a cousin of Prince Harry and William. The senior coroner for Gloucestershire ruled that Kingston had died by his own hand. He died from a head injury, with a firearm discovered near the scene. The incident took place in February 2024.

Rosie Roche's family business

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

The Roche family is well known for their business background, and they also hold a hereditary title in the Peerage of Ireland.

Image shows the wedding of Viscount Althorp and the Hon Frances Roche at Westminster Abbey in 1954; the parents of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Not poor

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

Historical records suggest their family wealth was approximately $14 million between 1885 and 1955. According to inflation calculators, that would be equivalent to about $167 million in 2025.

Image shows Princess Diana's parents, Viscount Althorp, who would become the 8th Earl of Spencer, and Hon Frances Roche, before their wedding at Westminster Abbey.

Student

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

Young student Rosie was working towards a degree in English Literature at Durham University (where King Charles earned an honorary degree) during the time of her death. A spokeswoman said she "will be sorely missed".

Yorkshire Post

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

An obituary was placed in the Yorkshire Post, which 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."

Family tribute

Gun tragedy, Cousin to the two Princes, Body discovered, Planning a trip, No foul play, More tragedy, Rosie Roche's family business, Not poor, Yorkshire Post, Family tribute

Rosie's family have paid tribute to her, stating that she was a “darling daughter” to her parents Pippa and Hugh and an “incredible sister” to Archie and Agatha, her siblings.

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