Wife of Royal Marines chief Matthew Holmes says he faced ‘personal struggles’ when he killed himself as inquest opens
THE devastated wife of a former Royal Marines top commander has spoken of his “personal struggles” ahead of an inquest into his death.
Major General Matt Holmes, 54, took his own life after he was removed from his role in April 2021.
He was just 20 months into what was supposed to be a three-year stint as Commandant General of the Royal Marines.
The dad-of-two told pals he felt betrayed by the Navy after he clashed with the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
An inquest is due to begin today at Winchester Crown Court into General Holmes’ death in October 2021.
Speaking ahead of the hearing, his estranged wife Lea Holmes paid tribute to the “kid and generous man”.
She told how General Holmes was “exceptionally proud” to have served the role in the Marines and was awarded with a DSO and CBE for his work.
Lea added: “This is another very difficult day for us. Over the last 18 months we have had to learn how to navigate the next steps of our lives without Matt.
“There will be discussions about the reasons for what happened, including speculation, because of the very nature of Matt’s death.
“At the end of his life, Matt was coming to terms with the end of this stage of his career and facing personal struggles.”
She said her husband had “committed his life to serving in the Royal Marines” and took “immense responsibility” for his fellow troops.
Lea told how “not a day would go by without him thinking of the men under his Command who were lost or injured” and their families.
She also thanked those who have sent their condolences to her and the couple’s two children.
The mum added: “Alongside the demands of his career, Matt was a loving father who adored his children and would have hugely admired their resilience over the last 18 months.”
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General Holmes had watched his marriage collapse after being sidelined from his “dream job”.
The Sun revealed how he had successfully resisted plans to give Royal Marines sailors’ ranks.
But he was slapped down by the Navy’s top brass for resisting plans to give his job to a “double-hatted” senior officer.
A source said he had a “serious falling out” with the First Sea Lord and his career never recovered.
General Holmes, who carried Prince Philip’s coffin at his funeral, was transferred to a role in charge of MoD equipment.
The decorated war hero – a pal of Prince Harry’s – was due to retire in October before he was found hanged.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.