Prince William and Harry’s cousin found dead ‘with gun nearby’

Rosie Roche, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, was found on July 14 at her home in Norton (Picture: Facebook)

The cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry was found dead with a shotgun near her, an inquest has heard.

Rosie Roche, the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, was found on July 14 at her home in Norton, Wiltshire, by her mum and sister.

The 20-year-old was packing to go away with friends before she was found, The Sun reports.

Coroner Grant Davies said police ‘have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement’.

Rosie was studying English Literature at Durham University at the time of her death.

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A spokesperson for the university said she ‘will be sorely missed’.

**NEWSQUEST OUT / REACH REGIONAL TITLES OUT** Emergency services at the address south of Foxley, near Malmesbury. July 14, 2025. A 20-year-old cousin of Princes William and Harry was found dead with a firearm nearby to her, an inquest heard. Rosie Roche, granddaughter of Princess Diana???s uncle, died at her family home on July 14, 2025. Emergency crews responded to the serious incident at the property in the countryside south of Foxley, near Malmesbury, at around 1pm. At the height of the incident, there was an ambulance, three ambulance officers, two firearms officers and numerous local response officers in attendance. Despite the best efforts of medics, the woman was pronounced deceased a short time later. An inquest was opened at Wiltshire and Swindon coroner???s court and adjourned until October 25. Photo released 22/07/2025
Emergency services at the address south of Foxley, near Malmesbury (Picture: Daniel Jae Webb/SWNS)

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Professor Wendy Powers, Principal of Durham’s 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.’

An obituary published by the Yorkshire Post said: ‘Roche, Rosie Jeanne Burke. Died on Monday 14th July 2025.

‘Darling daughter of Hugh and Pippa, incredible sister to Archie and Agatha, Granddaughter to Derek and Rae Long.

‘Private family funeral. A memorial service will be held at a later date.’

Her grandfather was the 5th Baron Fermoy – Princess Diana’s uncle – who shot and killed himself in 1984.

LILLE, FRANCE - APRIL 09: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry walk through a trench during the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017 in Lille, France. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
The cousin of Prince Harry and Prince William has been found dead (Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

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