Highly Decorated Soldier Dies Weeks After His Son's Birth

One of Britain's most decorated soldiers has passed away just weeks after the birth of his first child. 

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Holder was close to counted royals and A-list celebs and worked tirelessly in aid programmes overseas.

He joined the army aged 16 and rose up the ranks over a 33-year glittering military career, serving in Afghanistan, Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, and most recently in Africa. 

It was there that he met and became close friends with stars including Daniel Craig and Sean Penn, who went on to be his son's godfather. 

He also met the Queen on numerous occasions, and even helped organise her 90th birthday and golden jubilee celebrations. 

Paul, born in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October and passed away on Sunday.

It comes after he married partner Annemiek in Holland in October, witnessed the birth of his first son Frank ten weeks ago and celebrated his 50th birthday in January. 

His mother Valerie Anne Farley described Paul as "the love of my life". 

She said: "We're heartbroken by his death (...) He was so well loved so I know there are a lot of people in Stroud who will miss him. We were all so proud of him and all he had achieved." 

Paul joined the cadets at 11 and joined the Royal Corps of Transport after leaving school. 

Over the next three decades years he progressed through the officer ranks from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant, Major, Captain and on to Lieutenant Colonel.

Recently Paul was awarded the ceremonial Master Carmen title, which meant he often attended events alongside HRH Princess Anne. 

In this role, he donned a Superman costume to abseil down one of London's most iconic buildings to support the annual Lord Mayor's Appeal in 2015.

Paul will be given full military honours at his funeral, which will be held in London, opposite Buckingham Palace, at 1pm on the 15th March.