Sir Richard Branson's wife, Joan Templeman, died last year from a blood clot that developed after a fall, a pre-inquest hearing has revealed. The 80-year-old passed away in November, with the Virgin founder confirming the news on Instagram, describing her death as 'painless' and 'quick'.
The inquest, scheduled for later this year, will examine whether Joan should have been prescribed blood thinners, such as Heparin, given that she was also wearing anti-clot stockings. Senior coroner Fiona Willcox confirmed the investigation would consider if the anticoagulant could have prevented her death.
Speaking at the hearing, the couple's daughter, Holly, said: 'I believe mum had great care. The doctors saved her life three years ago, giving us all three more years together. We just want to help other families if there are any lessons to be learned.'
In a tribute, Branson called Joan his 'best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world'. The couple met in 1976 at a Virgin Records studio, where Branson said he fell in love at first sight. He recalled persistently visiting a shop where she worked to win her affection.
Branson also shared a poignant story of how, after a bike accident in India, he ended up in a hospital room just down the corridor from Joan, who was recovering from a back injury. 'We laughed together about how typical it was of us to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers,' he wrote.
