Rosie Roche, a 20-year-old second cousin of Princes William and Harry, has died at her family’s home in Wiltshire, England. The young student, who was related to the princes through Princess Diana’s side of the family, was found last Monday (14 July) with a firearm nearby, according to reports.

Emergency services were called to the Roche residence in Norton after Rosie’s mother, Pippa, and sister, Agatha, discovered her while she was preparing for a holiday. Police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances and no third-party involvement.

A formal inquest has been opened and is scheduled to resume on 25 October.

Rosie was studying English Literature at Durham University, where she was described by university staff as a bright and deeply missed member of the student body. An obituary published by the Yorkshire Post remembered her as a “darling daughter, incredible sister, and beloved granddaughter.”

Her funeral will be private, with a public memorial planned for a later date.

The news comes just over a year after the royal family experienced another tragedy — the death of Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor. Kingston, 45, was found deceased in Gloucestershire in February 2024, with a coroner later confirming he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His family has since spoken out about the side effects of medication he had been prescribed shortly before his death.

These two losses have left lasting sorrow within the extended royal circle, underscoring the often-unseen personal challenges faced by even the most prominent families.