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Rosie Roche, granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle and cousin to Harry and William dies from suicide

Prince William and Harry’s 20-year-old cousin has tragically died at her family’s estate.

A distant cousin of Princes Harry and William, Rosie Roche, has died age 20 after ending her own life.

Ms Roche, who is the granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle, died on July 14 at one of the family’s estates at Norton, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, which is north of Bath.

A spokeswoman confirmed Ms Roche was studying English Literature at Durham University, adding she will be “sorely missed.”

Prince William and Prince Harry are distant cousins of Rosie Roche on their mother’s side. Picture: AFP
Prince William and Prince Harry are distant cousins of Rosie Roche on their mother’s side. Picture: AFP

In a tragic twist, Ms Roche’s grandfather – Diana’s maternal uncle and the brother of Francis Shand Kydd, Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy — also died by suicide at age 45 in 1984.

An inquest into Ms Roche’s death has been opened by Wiltshire and Swindon coroner’s court.

It was adjourned until October 25.

Rosie Roche’s grandfather was Princess Diana’s uncle. Picture: AFP
Rosie Roche’s grandfather was Princess Diana’s uncle. Picture: AFP

Coroner Grant Davies said in a statement that police “have deemed the death as non-suspicious and there was no third-party involvement.”

It is understood Ms Roche’s body was discovered by her mother and sister.

Her death comes a year after Lady Gabriella Kingston’s husband Thomas took his life.

Lady Gabriella is the daughter of Prince Michael of Kent – a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth.

Mr Kingston was just 45 when he died in February 2024.

Thomas Kingston with his wife, Lady Gabriella Windsor, King Charles and Queen Camilla. Picture: Supplied
Thomas Kingston with his wife, Lady Gabriella Windsor, King Charles and Queen Camilla. Picture: Supplied

An inquest into his death found he was suffering “adverse effects” of the prescription medication he was taking to treat his mental health issues and insomnia.

Lady Gabriella and Mr Kingston’s 2019 wedding was attended by a raft of senior royals including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Harry, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

If you need help, please call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Rosie Roche, granddaughter of Princess Diana’s uncle and cousin to Harry and William dies from suicide

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/rosie-roche-granddaughter-of-princess-dianas-uncle-and-cousin-to-harry-and-william-dies-from-suicide/news-story/fbbba7a3084f111d7361618270622bfb