Rosie Roche, 20, linked to the royal family through Princess Diana’s uncle, died suddenly in Wiltshire

A 20-year-old relative of Princes William and Harry has been found dead at her family home in Wiltshire, in a case described by police as non-suspicious but deeply tragic.

Rosie Roche, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, was discovered by her mother and sister in Norton, near Malmesbury, on Sunday, 14 July. She had reportedly been packing for a trip with friends when she died. A firearm was found near her body.

The discovery has rocked both her local community and the extended royal circle. An inquest was opened and adjourned at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court. Area coroner Grant Davies stated that police investigations ruled out third-party involvement and confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Rosie was a promising English Literature student at Durham University. A spokesperson from the university said she “will be sorely missed”, adding that the community was “shocked and heartbroken” by her sudden death.

Rosie’s grandmother, Mary Roche, was the sister of Frances Shand Kydd — Princess Diana’s mother. This makes Rosie a first cousin once removed to the late Princess, and thus a distant cousin to William and Harry.

The family has requested privacy and declined to make any comment to the media. A spokesman for Prince William also declined to comment.

Rosie’s death comes less than 18 months after another gun-related tragedy in the royal family. In February 2024, Thomas Kingston — the husband of Lady Gabriella Kingston, a cousin to William and Harry — died from a self-inflicted head wound. A gun was found nearby. A narrative verdict in that case confirmed Mr Kingston had taken his own life.

In light of Rosie’s death, mental health advocates are urging the public to take suicide prevention seriously. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35 in the UK — and men are statistically three times more likely to die by suicide than women. But as this latest tragedy demonstrates, the reality is far more complex and indiscriminate.

Rosie’s death also highlights the often invisible mental health struggles of young people — even those surrounded by privilege and opportunity. Friends and former classmates described her as “clever, quiet, and kind”, with one calling her “the last person you’d ever expect this to happen to”.

The Sun newspaper, which broke the story, renewed its “You’re Not Alone” campaign to raise awareness and encourage those struggling with mental health issues to seek help. It encourages open dialogue, the breaking down of stigma, and public engagement with mental health support services.

Several organisations — including CALM, Mind, Heads Together, and Papyrus — offer 24/7 helplines and online support for those in crisis or needing someone to talk to.

The coroner’s inquest into Rosie Roche’s death is scheduled to resume on 25 October 2025, when further details will be revealed regarding her final hours and the circumstances surrounding her death.

But for now, the loss of a young woman — a royal cousin, a student, a daughter, and a sister — has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who loved her, and another painful chapter in the Royal Family’s often-hidden battle with mental health and loss.