Sir Richard Branson has announced the passing of his wife Joan.
In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday (25 November), the Virgin Group founder shared a photo of his late partner. He wrote, “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away.
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“She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.
“Our hearts go out to Sir Richard, Holly and Sam at this difficult time” – Attitude’s publisher, Dr Darren Styles OBE
“She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x.”
Joan Templeman was born in Glasgow, Scotland, into a family of six children. Early in her life, she worked in several jobs, including running an antiques shop in Notting Hill.
She met Richard Branson in 1976 when he would often visit her shop, and he later recalled being smitten within moments of meeting her.
Their relationship blossomed over the years, and in 1989, the couple married on Necker Island, the Caribbean retreat that would later become the Bransons’ home.
Together, they had three children: Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah, who tragically died after four days.
Attitude’s publisher, Dr Darren Styles OBE, says, “Virgin family are Attitude’s family. Our hearts go out to Sir Richard, Holly and Sam at this difficult time. They were allies before it was fashionable to be allies.”
