On Monday, July 14, 2025, Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche, 20, second cousin to Princes William and Harry, was found lifeless at her residence in Norton, Wiltshire, England.
The news has shocked the British royal family and international public opinion. Rosie, a first year English Literature student at Durham University, was found in her bedroom while packing for a trip with friends.
Circumstances of the discovery of William and Harry’s cousin
Her mother and sister discovered her next to a firearm, and although authorities have indicated that there was no third party involvement, they also noted that the weapon was close to her body and that she had significant head trauma.
Wiltshire coroner Grant Davies called the cause of death non-suspicious, and a court hearing in Wiltshire and Swindon, scheduled for Oct. 25, has been adjourned to formally determine the reasons for the death.
Who was Rosie Roche
Daughter of Hugh Burke Roche, granddaughter of the late Edmund Roche, Lord Fermoy (Princess Diana’s uncle), Rosie was well integrated into university and academic life.
Her professors and peers at Durham describe her as a “creative, energetic and well-liked” young woman who loves poetry, travel and literature.
Prior to joining Durham, she studied at St Mary’s Calne, a private school in Wiltshire. She also founded Unidog, a project to connect students with local pets as emotional therapy. .
Reaction of the royal family and close environment
The academic world, his former school and his family expressed their deep sorrow.
A private funeral has been scheduled, with a subsequent memorial service with special guests and close members of royalty, although the attendance of Prince William and Prince Harry has not yet been confirmed.
The shock comes on the heels of other recent tragedies within the family circle, such as the suicide of Thomas Kingston in February 2024, and also recalling the untimely death of his grandfather, Edmund Roche, in 1984.
Los rumores de que dentro de la realeza existen varios miembros con enfermedades mentales por lo que representa el título no se han hecho esperar desde lo ocurrido con Lady Di
Devastation in the British Royalty
Buzzy
The death of a young college student highlights the importance of emotional support networks and wellness dialogue among Latino students at U.S. universities.
The death of a close member of a royal family is a reminder that mental health and crises can affect anyone, regardless of status.
This type of event encourages conversations about academic pressures, college accommodations, and access to counseling services.
Rosie Roche’s death represents a tragedy for the British royal family and a global wake-up call about mental health in young university students.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, it serves as a reminder of the importance of providing emotional support to students in transition and eliminating stigmas around asking for help.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
