A royal-linked university student’s death prompted an inquest and outpouring of grief, with questions still circling what led to her sudden passing.
Rosie Jeanne Burke Roche, a 20-year-old cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, was found dead on July 14, 2025, at her family home in Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire. A gifted student admired for her creative spirit and academic promise, Rosie’s death led to a formal inquest, and a coroner has since disclosed the cause.
Rosie was the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, making her part of the Spencer family. Her obituary described her as a “darling daughter” to parents, Hugh and Pippa Roche, and an “incredible sister” to Agatha and Archie Roche.
It was her mother and Agatha who discovered her body and noticed that she had been preparing her luggage for a trip with her friends.
Additionally, a weapon was recovered near the estate, but the area coroner, Grant Davies, revealed that authorities had “deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.”
Meanwhile, on July 22, The Independent reported that Rosie’s cause of death was due to a “traumatic head injury,” according to a coroner. However, a spokesperson from the Wiltshire Police expressed that there were still no suspicions of foul play.
“Our thoughts are with her family,” the representative added. “We would ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”
The young woman was completing her first year of an English Literature degree at Durham University. The college’s principal, Wendy Powers, shared that Rosie had adapted “beautifully” to life on campus and was known for having many friends.
“She was loved for her creativity, energy, her love of books, poetry, and travel, among many other talents. She will be sorely missed,” Wendy added in a statement. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Rosie’s family and friends, and we are offering support to those affected at this extremely difficult time.”
Outside official tributes, glimpses of Rosie’s life can be seen in many Facebook photos shared by her parents online. Her father’s profile has images dating back to the late 2000s and early 2010s, showing his children growing up.
One photo shows Rosie on top of a horse while her mother smiles beside her. Another shows Pippa with all three children sitting in a stroller with luggage, possibly taken at an airport for a family trip. One picture shows a young Rosie riding a bike.
Meanwhile, Pippa also posted several photos, including one with all her children and a selfie with Rosie, set against a mountainside background.
In the days that followed Rosie’s discovery, the Roche family held a private funeral, with plans for a public memorial service expected to be announced at a later date.
Tragically, this is not the only unexpected loss to affect the extended British royal family. As previously reported, in February 2024, Thomas Kingston, the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, was found dead at his parents’ home with a firearm nearby.
Thomas, 45, died at the property in a village in the Cotswolds. Gloucestershire’s senior coroner, Katy Skerrett, confirmed he had suffered a “catastrophic head injury.” A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as a “traumatic wound to the head.”
Thomas, a financier, had been visiting his parents on February 25, that fateful day. After joining them for lunch, he was not seen again in the house. His mother began searching after 30 minutes had passed.
His dad would later force open an outbuilding when they couldn’t find him. Inside, Thomas was discovered unresponsive, with a gun present at the scene. Emergency services were called, but police found no evidence of suspicious circumstances.
Months after Thomas’ death, further details emerged during a pre-inquest review in October 2024. His passing, initially ruled non-suspicious, was described in court as unexpected and impulsive.
At Gloucester Coroner’s Court, Martin Porter KC, representing the family, said they had been advised of a possible link between Thomas’ mental state and a prescribed medication he was taking. He urged the court not to focus solely on the immediate cause of death, which had already been established.
Senior coroner Katy Skerrett agreed that the role of the medication should be included in the inquest’s scope. However, she cautioned that proving a direct link would be complex and not guaranteed.
Thomas’ parents were present at the hearing. His father, Martin Kingston, was expected to provide evidence during the inquest. Lady Gabriella did not attend the session. Mr Martin told the court there had been no indication of long-term planning behind the death. “On the contrary,” he said, “there was planning for the future.”
Following Thomas’ death, his wife, Lady Gabriella, joined his family in a tribute, calling him an “exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him.” King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed their condolences, offering “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” to the family.
The coroner indicated her intention to conclude the inquest before the end of the year to help provide the family with closure.
