The royal family is mourning an unexpected loss this week. On Monday, The Sun was the first to report that Prince William and Prince Harry‘s cousin, Rosie Roche, was found dead one week earlier at the age of 20. Not much is known about her death just yet, but those who knew and loved her are already paying tribute to the royal relative as an inquest into her death has been launched.
Rosie was related to Harry and William on their mother’s side.
Rosie was the granddaughter of Princess Diana‘s uncle, Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy, and according to her obituary published in the Yorkshire Post, she was the daughter of Hugh Burke Roche and Pippa Long.
“Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke died on Monday 14th July 2025,” reads the obituary. “Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long. Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date.”
She was found dead in her home on July 14.
Rosie was packing for a trip away with friends when she was discovered in her Wiltshire home by her mother and sister, per The Sun. At the time, she was found with a “firearm nearby,” though it hasn’t been confirmed if a gun was involved in her death.
Coroner Grant Davies told the newspaper that authorities “have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.”
The coroner has announced her cause of death.
In an update on the case, Rosie’s cause of death was revealed to be a “traumatic head injury,” a coroner told multiple news outlets, including The Independent.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, and our thoughts are with her family,” read a statement from a Wiltshire Police spokesperson. “We would ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”
Though an investigation into her death has been opened, it has been adjourned until October 25, so it could be a while before her family has any answers.
Her university has shared a sweet tribute to Rosie.
Wendy Powers, a principal at Durham University, where Rosie attends school, also released a statement about her tragic death, via The Independent.
“Rosie had settled into the University and College beautifully and had lots of friends,” she shared. “She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry and travel among many other talents. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Rosie’s family and friends, and we are offering support to those affected at this extremely difficult time.”
