Rosie Roche, a 20-year-old cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, died suddenly at her family home in Wiltshire. As the royal family mourns, many are just now learning about the bright young woman whose life ended far too soon.

The <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/tags/royalfamily" target="_blank" rel="noopener">royal family</a> is mourning a devastating loss following the unexpected death of Rosie Roche, a distant cousin of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/prince-william-military-uniform-beard-prince-of-wales-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prince William</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/prince-harry-wants-meghan-markle-to-resume-her-acting-career" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prince Harry.</a> The 20-year-old died on July 14 at her family&rsquo;s home in Norton, Wiltshire, where a firearm was reportedly found nearby. While officials have confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious and no third party was involved, further details remain scarce. A coroner&rsquo;s inquest has been opened and adjourned until October 25, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/35951066/princes-william-harry-cousin-rosie-roche-royal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun.</a>&nbsp;
Roche's passing has left many just now learning who she was, and what a promising life she led. A relative on <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/tags/princessdiana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Princess Diana&rsquo;s</a> side, Rosie Roche was the granddaughter of Diana&rsquo;s uncle, placing her within the extended circle of one of Britain&rsquo;s most famous families. At the time of her death, she had been preparing for a vacation with friends when her mother and sister tragically discovered her.
Sadly, tragedy is not unfamiliar to the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/tags/royalfamily" target="_blank" rel="noopener">royal family.</a> From the sudden loss of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/princess-diana-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Princess Diana</a> in 1997 to more recent personal struggles faced publicly by younger royals, grief and heartbreak have repeatedly touched the House of Windsor. Roche's death marks yet another somber moment in a lineage often defined by both privilege and pain.

rosie roche death, rosie roche photo

In a family obituary published in the Yorkshire Post, Roche was remembered as a &ldquo;darling daughter&rdquo; and &ldquo;incredible sister,&rdquo; survived by her parents Hugh and Pippa, and siblings Archie and Agatha. The family plans to hold a private funeral, with a memorial service scheduled for a later date.
Rosie Roche had been pursuing a degree in English Literature at Durham University, where she had recently completed her first year. Professor Wendy Powers, Principal of University College, remembered her as a student who had &ldquo;settled into the University and College beautifully and had lots of friends.&rdquo; Her death has shaken both her academic community and those now discovering the vibrant young woman gone too soon.
Though she lived outside of the public spotlight, Rosie Roche's <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/tags/royals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legacy</a> lives on through the memories of those who knew her&mdash;and through the heartbreaking impact of a life lost far too early.

The Tragic Story of Rosie Roche, Prince William and Harry's Cousin

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