Rosie Roche – the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle – was found dead by her mum and sister at her home in Wiltshire and the 20-year-old’s official cause of death has been revealed
A coroner has determined the cause of death of Rosie Roche, the distant cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry. Rosie, 20, was tragically found dead by her family in their home in Wiltshire on Sunday, with a firearm found close to her body. The university student was the granddaughter of Princess Diana ’s uncle, making her a second cousin to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex.
During an inquest hearing 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”, and recorded her cause of death as a “traumatic head injury”.
Rosie, a first year English Literature student, was packing to go on a trip with friends when her body was found by close members of her family. The official inquest into her death has been adjourned until October 25.
Professor Wendy Powers, University College principal at Durham University where Rosie studied, said the young woman had made a major impact on both staff and students during her short time at the school, saying she will be missed by all who knew her.
“University College staff and students are extremely saddened by the tragic death of Rosie Roche,” Professor Powers said. “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.”
Rosie’s family said in a death notice that she was the “darling daughter” of Hugh and Pippa and an “incredible sister” to Archie and Agatha, sharing that a private funeral is due to be held, with a memorial service planned for a later date.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “There are no suspicious circumstances, and our thoughts are with her family. We would ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”
Ms Roche’s tragic death comes after Thomas Kingston, who married Harry and William’s cousin Lady Gabriella in 2019, died in February last year aged just 45 with a firearm next to him. The financier suffered a “traumatic head wound”, and a gun was found near to his body in an outbuilding at his parents home in the Cotswolds, an inquest opening at Gloucestershire Coroners Court heard. Police said they were satisfied the death was not suspicious.
The former financier, who studied economic history at Bristol University, had numerous brushes with death – the most notable being a suicide bombing at the church in 2004, which claimed 22 lives.
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