DURHAM University student Rosie Roche was a distant cousin of Princes William and Harry.
She was the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle and died at her family home on July 14.
What do we know about Rosie Roche?
Rosie, 20, was the granddaughter of the late Edmund Roche 5th Baron Fermoy, Princess Diana‘s uncle, making her a first cousin removed from Princes William and Harry.
She was born on June 21, 2005, and was the daughter of Hugh Burke Roche and Pippa Long.
Her heritage traces back to the Spencer-Roche branch on Princess Diana’s maternal side, a prominent family with longstanding connections to the Royal household.
What do we know about Rosie Roche’s death?
Rosie was found by her mum and sister after she had been packing to go away with friends.
A firearm was found close to her at the property in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
An inquest was opened at Wiltshire and Swindon coroner’s court and adjourned until October 25.
Area coroner Grant Davies said police “have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement”.
Rosie had been studying English Literature at Durham University.
The tragedy comes after Thomas Kingston, husband of Harry and William’s cousin Lady Gabriella Kingston, died from a head injury, with a gun found nearby, in February 2024.
Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, had recorded a narrative verdict and said Mr Kingston had taken his own life.
Tributes paid to student
Tributes have been led by Durham University where Rosie was an English Literature degree student and wrote for one of the top university’s magazine websites.
Professor Wendy Powers, Principal of University College, said: “University College staff and students are extremely saddened by the tragic death of Rosie Roche”.
“Rosie was a first-year student studying for an English Literature degree.
“Rosie had settled into the University and College beautifully and had lots of friends.
“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”.
Her family paid tribute in a death notification, writing: “Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long.”
An obituary published in The Yorkshire Post said the family were planning a private funeral at a later date.
