Who were Richard Branson's parents and grandparents? Complete Details explored as billionaire mourns wife Joan Templeman's death at 80

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, is grieving the loss of his wife, Joan Templeman. She died at 80. The news was confirmed through an official emotional statement shared online by Richard Branson, where the 75-year-old entrepreneur mourned the passing of his partner of 50 years. Richard stated:

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

Joan Templeman's death announcement has made many enthusiasts interested in looking closer at their family background. Richard Branson and his wife Joan first met in the mid-1970s. He was living in London after growing up in Glasgow. They eventually married in 1989 on Necker Island.

The couple had three children: Holly, Sam, and Clare Sarah. Their first daughter, Clare Sarah, was born prematurely and died four days later. Richard Branson and Joan Templeman's surviving children have grown families of their own, which has resulted in five grandchildren so far.

Richard Branson's parents

Richard Branson was born on July 18, 1950, in Blackheath, London. His parents were Eve and Edward James Branson.

Eve Branson initially worked as a ballet dancer and air hostess. She eventually turned to entrepreneurial work. Eve often ran small businesses, including selling handmade wooden products.

She also authored books and later founded the Eve Branson Foundation. The official Virgin website has listed a description of Eve Branson, which reads:

"As a child, Eve showed signs of the entrepreneurial drive - something which had been passed down through the family, coupled with a longing for freedom and excitement."

It continues:

"Eve's lifelong passion was writing and in addition to her memoir, Mum’s The Word, (based on her personal diaries), she wrote articles, essays, novels, plays, scripts, and children’s stories. Eve also published travel articles and historical accounts and a children’s book dedicated to her 11 grandchildren, entitled Sarky Puddleboat (AuthorHouse 2010)."

Eve's parents were Rupert Ernest Huntley Flindt and Dorothy Constance Jenkins. She died on January 8, 2021, at 96.

Richard Branson's father, Edward James Branson, was a barrister and former cavalryman. His father, Sir George Arthur Harwin Branson, was a judge of the High Court of Justice and a British Privy Counsellor.

Edward married Eve in October 1949. They raised Richard and his two younger sisters, Lindy (Lindette) and Vanessa. Edward died on March 19, 2011, at 93. Richard Branson's penned a detailed note about his father in an official blog:

"My father lived a long life and was incredibly loved by his wife, three children, 11 grandchildren and myriad of friends. He was smart and quick witted. When he signed up with to join me on Virgin Galactic, I remember him cheekily commenting: “Why not? It’s as close to heaven as I'll ever get!""

Richard Branson also added:

"While he could always make us laugh, he was also quiet, always caring and comforting, calling me 'dear boy' even when I was naughty, and full of wonderful advice; some of which I’d like to share with you. When I was a child, I helped myself to Dad’s loose change drawer, I did not see it as stealing, but rather as just borrowing without an established repayment plan, and bought chocolate from our local corner store."

About Joan Templeman

Joan Templeman's complete family details are not available to the public. She was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Her father was a shipbuilder and carpenter. According to some reports, Joan grew up with six siblings.

Notably, she was previously married to musician Ronnie Leahy in 1966, but the marriage ended in divorce by 1978.

Richard Branson's son Sam's tribute to Joan Templeman

Sam Branson took to his official Instagram page to share an emotional note about his late mother. He penned:

"Mum you instantly made everyone in your presence feel like all was well with the world. You were the kindest, most loving, warm and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth. Thank you for all that you were to me, our family and to everyone who was blessed by your graceful, loving presence."

The post continued:

"I am so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum 🙏🏼 Words cannot express how much I will miss you and how I wish you were still here to console me about the loss of you. But somehow you still are… and that is the magic of you. I love you to the moon and back 🌝 Forever and Ever ♥️"

Rest in peace, Joan Templeman.

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