Sir Richard Branson announces death of wife and 'guiding light' Joan Templeman after 50 years together

"Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away," he wrote on Instagram.

In his moving tribute, Sir Richard described Ms Templeman as "the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for".

He concluded his message with deeply personal words, saying: "She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x."

In his blog titled "Behind every man there's a great woman," Sir Branson said: "I fell in love with her from the first moment I saw her, while she worked in a bric-a-brac shop in Westbourne Grove, in London."

Sir Richard also recounted experiencing an immediate attraction upon meeting Glasgow-born Ms Templeman, whom he described as a "blonde-haired, down to earth, Scottish beauty."

In 2016 to mark their 40th anniversary, Sir Richard recalled: "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."

He remembered being captivated by her qualities, saying: "She was beautiful. She was bright. She was witty. She was down to earth. She was fun. And she had eyes made of magic."

The pair exchanged vows in 1989 on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, eleven years after their initial encounter, when their children Holly and Sam were eight and four years old.

Joan embraced her role as a devoted mother to their two children, with Sir Richard noting she was "the most wonderful mum" they could have wished for.

She later became a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren: Etta, Artie, Lola, Eva-Deia and Bluey.

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Despite her husband's high-profile status, Joan maintained a private life away from public attention, seldom granting interviews throughout their marriage.

She recently marked her 80th birthday in July, with Sir Richard posting a heartfelt message expressing gratitude for their years together.

"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," he wrote on Facebook.

Tributes from friends, celebrities and admirers quickly flooded in following Sir Richard’s announcement.

American businesswoman and philanthropist Sara Blakely wrote on Instagram: "Oh Richard …. Heartbroken. Sending so much love to you and your family. She is the best. The best. So glad you had each other for so long."

Australian-British singer Natalie Imbruglia added: "I’m so sorry Richard… Heartbroken… Joan.. a shining light in this world. She made everyone feel so special.. Sending so much love to you all at this difficult time."

"Heartbroken... We all will miss her," Dutch actress and model Nicolette van Dam responded, while Entrepreneur Bas Smit posted four red heart emojis in solidarity.

Messages from fans were equally emotional, with one writing: "Oh my goodness, please say it isn’t so!!!!! Joan is an exceptional woman in every way: warm, brilliant, wise, valiant. it’s so hard to fathom her light being taken away from this world - praying for you and your family."

Another shared memories from meeting Ms Templeman: "I really loved your wife. Every year at Necker she shared the best mom advice with me, and I’ll never forget our conversations over champagne."

A third fan penned: "Thinking of you and your family and sending you all my love and strength."

And another wrote: "Oh Richard. I’m so sorry. Heartbreaking news. She was such a light. Sending you, Sam, Holly, and your grandkids so much love during this time."

The couple had been anticipating their golden anniversary celebration, scheduled for February 7th.Born Joan Templeman in 1948, Joan came from modest beginnings as one of seven siblings, with her father employed as a ship carpenter.

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