Royals in Mourning: Cousin Rosie Roche Found Dead with Gun Nearby
Twenty-year-old Rosie Roche, a cousin of Princes William and Harry, was discovered dead at her family home in Norton, England, on July 14 with a firearm found beside her body. Hi, I’m Riley Carter.
Another day, another royal heartbreak, am I right? According to a report in The Sun, Rosie Roche—granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle—was found by her mother and sister as she packed for an upcoming trip with friends. Local authorities recovered a single gun at the scene, prompting an investigation.
Coroner Grant Davies told reporters that police have deemed the death non suspicious and confirmed “there was no third-party involvement.” That official ruling suggests that investigators do not believe foul play played a role in this tragedy. Still, the presence of a firearm so close to a young university student has raised questions about her state of mind in the weeks leading up to her passing.
Rosie was in her second year at Durham University, pursuing a degree in English Literature. Friends and classmates described her as “bright” and “passionate about poetry and prose.” A brief obituary published by the Yorkshire Post on Friday referred to her as an “incredible sister” to her two siblings and noted that the family will hold a private funeral and memorial service in the coming days.
While Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement, insiders say that both Prince William and Prince Harry are “deeply saddened” by the loss. The palace typically reserves comment on family matters, but a spokesperson confirmed to TMZ that the princes are “offering all the support they can” to Rosie’s grieving mother and sister.
Mental health professionals remind us that sudden deaths like this can shock tight-knit families. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7: call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Rosie’s parents described her as someone who loved travel, literature, and spending afternoons with siblings at local cafés. School friends recall her laughter echoing down university corridors and her ever-present pen, ready to capture thoughts in a journal. Now those notebooks remain silent.
As details continue to emerge, many will be watching to see whether the inquest adds new layers to an already painful story. The non suspicious ruling does not preclude further questions about gun access and mental health resources for young adults facing pressures both ordinary and extraordinary.
Anyway, that’s the story. You decide what it all means.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and The Sun, TMZ, Yorkshire Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
