Sir Richard Branson has shared a moving tribute to his late wife, Lady Joan Branson, on what would have been the couple's 36th wedding anniversary. The Virgin Group founder posted a series of intimate photographs on Instagram, just weeks after Joan's passing at the age of 80.
A Heartfelt Anniversary Tribute
In his emotional social media post, Sir Richard wrote, 'Today marks mine and Joan's wedding anniversary.' He reflected on their wedding day, stating he remembered it 'like it was yesterday'. The billionaire also included joyful images from Joan's 80th birthday celebrations earlier this year, captioning one, 'I'm not sure what I was whispering into her ear... but I'm glad it made her smile!'
The couple had been together for five decades, having first met in 1976, and were married in 1989. They shared two children, Holly and Sam, and were grandparents to five, including twins Etta and Artie. Sir Richard poignantly noted that the anniversary date also marks his daughter Holly's wedding and the birth of her twins.
A 50-Year Partnership and a Private 'Rock'
Sir Richard announced Joan's death on November 25, describing her as his 'best friend, my rock, my guiding light' and a 'wonderful mum and grandmum'. Despite her husband's global fame, Lady Joan was known for valuing her privacy, rarely giving interviews and shunning the public spotlight.
He had often credited her as his steadfast 'source of wisdom' and the force behind many of his better decisions. In a July birthday tribute, he thanked her for being by his side 'through it all – the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between'.
A Love Story That Began at First Sight
The pair's romance began at The Manor, a Virgin Records studio, where Sir Richard said he 'fell in love with her from the first moment I saw her'. He recalled wooing the 'blonde-haired, down to earth, Scottish beauty' by persistently visiting the West London shop where she worked.
They eventually married on Necker Island, their private retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Born Joan Templeman in Glasgow in 1945, she came from humble beginnings, one of seven children supported by her ship carpenter father.
The recent photos Sir Richard shared, showing the couple laughing together, were taken only months before her passing. The family had been looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary together in February.
