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.
“She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x” – Sir Richard Branson
“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.
“Our hearts go out to Sir Richard, Holly and Sam at this difficult time” – Attitude’s publisher, Dr Darren Styles OBE
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.”
Beyond his business empire, Branson has long been a vocal and active ally of the LGBTQ+ community. For more than 50 years, he has publicly supported gay rights and inclusion. In his early career, he founded the Student Advisory Centre, a confidential helpline where young people, including gay youth, could seek advice and feel heard.
In a notably bold move for the time, he purchased the London nightclub Heaven in the 1980s – a safe gathering place for the queer community.
Virgin, and the Branson family, have had a long-standing relationship with Attitude
Under his leadership, Virgin has gone on to sponsor Pride festivals, launch global initiatives, and push for equality. The Virgin Group helped found Open for Business, a coalition that makes the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion in business.
Virgin, and the Branson family, have had a long-standing relationship with Attitude. Virgin Atlantic has sponsored the Attitude Awards – one of the most visible LGBTQ+ celebrations in the UK – for more than a decade.
In 2025, Virgin Atlantic launched a campaign, ‘Free to Be Me’, designed for LGBTQ+ travellers, in partnership with Attitude.
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(Image: Attitude/Mark Cant)
