TV icon Jeremy Paxman's brother bequeaths £2.1 million estate to his kin following his sad demise at the age of 73
Giles Paxman, Distinguished British Diplomat and Civil Servant, Passes Away at 73
Giles Paxman, a renowned British diplomat and civil servant, passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 73. Known for his significant postings, Paxman's career spanned decades, although a detailed timeline and record of his achievements are currently limited.
Born on November 15, 1951, in Gosport, Hampshire, Paxman read Modern Languages at New College, Oxford. After completing his studies, he spent a year as a riding instructor in France. His brother, Jeremy Paxman, a well-known broadcaster, followed a similar path, attending Malvern College.
Paxman's career in public service began in earnest. He served as Britain's ambassador to Mexico and later to Spain. His tenure in Mexico coincided with the devastating Hurricane Wilma, which struck Cancun in 2005. During this time, he was interviewed by his brother Jeremy on BBC Newsnight, discussing the hurricane's aftermath.
Following his ambassadorship to Spain in 2009, Paxman retired from the civil service in 2013, having been appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George that same year.
In his personal life, Paxman married Segolene in Agen, France, in 1980. The couple had three daughters: Julia, Lauren, and Alice. After his retirement, Paxman pursued a passion for sailing, crossing the Atlantic twice and the Pacific once.
Paxman's will, signed less than a month before his death, valued his estate at over £2 million. The estate will be passed to his wife, Segolene. Despite his many accomplishments, Paxman, unlike many of his predecessors, never received a knighthood.
Paxman was brought up in the Lickey Hills, south of Birmingham. His family includes three other siblings, with Jeremy born 18 months earlier. The Paxman family has made significant contributions to British media and public service.
In memory of Giles Paxman, his contributions to diplomacy and civil service will be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
- Giles Paxman's estate, valued at over £2 million, will be passed to his wife, Segolene, upon his death.
- In his later years, Paxman developed a passion for sailing and crossed the Atlantic twice and the Pacific once.
- Paxman's career in the civil service spanned decades, with significant postings as Britain's ambassador to Mexico and later to Spain.
- Despite his numerous accomplishments in diplomacy and civil service, Giles Paxman was never knighted.
