Edmund Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy


Edmund James Burke Roche, 5th Baron Fermoy, was a British businessman who held a title in the Peerage of Ireland. He was the maternal uncle of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Early life and education

He was born on 20 March 1939, the only son and youngest child of Maurice Roche, 4th Baron Fermoy, and his wife, Ruth Sylvia Gill. His father died in 1955.
He was a graduate of Eton and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Career

He became the 5th Baron Fermoy in 1955 when his father died. He was an elected member of Newbury District Council between 1976 and 1979. He was chairman of Eddington Bindery Ltd, based at the Fermoy family home near Hungerford. He was also a steeplechase jockey.

Marriage and children

He was married to Lavinia Frances Elizabeth Pitman, daughter of John Pitman and Elizabeth Donaldson.
They had four children:
Lady Fermoy later married Nigel Edward Corbally Stourton, a grandson of Alfred Stourton, 23rd Baron Mowbray, in 1995.

Death

After suffering from depression for a long period of time, he committed suicide by gunshot at his home, Eddington House, in Hungerford on 19 August 1984. He was 45.

Royal connections

Lord Fermoy and his family have close connections to the British royal family. His mother was a longstanding member of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's household. His sister Frances was the mother of Lady Diana Spencer. As the bride's maternal uncle, Lord Fermoy attended her wedding to the Prince of Wales in 1981.

Titles and styles