Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche, a cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, was found dead at her family’s home in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, on July 14. The 20-year-old, who had been preparing for a trip with friends, was discovered by her mother and sister.
Rosie, a first-year English Literature student at Durham University, was the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle and descended from the Barons Fermoy. She was the eldest child of Edmund Hugh Burke Roche and Phillipa Kate Victoria Long.
A coroner confirmed the cause of death as a “traumatic head injury,” but Wiltshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances or signs of third-party involvement. An inquest has been opened and adjourned until October 25.
A death notice published in the Yorkshire Post described Rosie as a “darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long.” It also noted that a private family funeral would be held, with a public memorial to follow at a later date.
University College Durham Principal Professor Wendy Powers expressed deep sorrow at Rosie’s passing. “Rosie had settled beautifully into the University and College community and was loved for her creativity, energy, and passion for books, poetry, and travel,” she said. “She will be greatly missed.”
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the matter. A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police reiterated their condolences and requested privacy for the family during this “terrible time.”
Rosie’s death follows that of Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, who also died from a head injury earlier this year. He had been receiving treatment for depression, according to an inquest in January.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing distress:
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