‘Heartbroken’ Richard Branson announces wife’s death

Sir Richard Branson and his wife Joan Templeman pictured in 2018. Photo / Getty Images

Sir Richard Branson’s wife has died aged 80.

Announcing her death on social media, the Virgin founder, 75, said he was “heartbroken to share” the news of Lady Branson’s death.

He said: “She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.

“She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x.”

Celebrities paid tribute to Lady Branson on social media. Penny Lancaster, model and TV personality who is married to Rod Stewart, said: “Very heartbreaking. Rod and I are so saddened to hear this news and send all our prayers to you and your loved ones.”

Television presenter Davina McCall commented: “Oh…no… Richard, I’m so sorry. Thinking of you and Holly and Sam xx.”

Branson and Lady Branson met in 1976 in the bric-a-brac shop she worked at in Westbourne Grove, London. The business tycoon said he “fell in love” with her at first sight.

They married in 1989 at Branson’s Necker Island, his 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands.

They have two children together, Holly Branson, 44, and Sam Branson, 40. They also had a third child, Clare Sarah, who died four days after birth after being three months premature.

Branson was described as the “most amazing mother” to her children and a “perfect grandmother” to her five grandchildren, Etta, Artie, Lola, Eva-Deia and Bluey.

Branson, born Joan Templeman in Glasgow, celebrated her 80th birthday in the summer.

Paying tribute to her on social media at the time, Branson said: “Thank you for being by my side through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between.

“These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year.”

In a love letter to his wife in 2016, Sir Richard said: “I experienced love at first sight upon meeting a blonde-haired, down-to-earth, Scottish beauty named Joan, who just happened to be making a cup of tea.

“I generally make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting them, and Joan won my heart instantly. She was unlike any other woman I had ever met.

“She was beautiful. She was bright. She was witty. She was down to earth. She was fun. And she had eyes made of magic.”

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