RICHARD Branson’s 50-year love story with his late wife Joan is one of infatuation, heartache and enduring commitment.
The road to their happy family life was not always straightforward, but it blossomed into something incredibly special – and held strong to the very end.
Sir Richard Branson and his wife Joan shared almost 50 years togetherCredit: Alamy
They first met in 1976, when she was married to her childhood sweetheartCredit: richardbranson / Instagram
Richard and Joan with their two grown-up children, Holly and SamCredit: Branson Family
The British billionaire, 75, penned today to announce at the age of 80, remembering her as “the most wonderful mum and grandmum”.
It all started in 1976 when Branson, then 26, first set eyes on Joan at The Manor – a studio he built for Virgin Records.
He revealed in 2020 that he “fell for Joan from the moment I saw her”.
At the time, she was working in an antiques shop called Dodo in Notting Hill.
The entrepreneur’s first impression of his future wife was “a down-to-earth Scottish lady” who, he immediately realised, “wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics”.
The only problem – Joan was already married.
She had got hitched to her childhood sweetheart, Ronnie Leahy, in 1966.
Two years after the meeting in The Manor, Joan would get divorced – clearing the way for Branson and Joan to pursue their spark.
But things didn’t fall into place immediately for the young suitor.
Branson has revealed that he was forced to chase Joan in order to win her heart, even earning himself the nickname “Tagalong”.
Initially, she showed no interest.
He told Page Six in 2019: “I think if you just sit back and wait for it to come it’s not necessarily going to happen.
“I think you’ve got to be willing to subtly chase somebody if you’re really interested.
“With my own wife, I was known as ‘Tagalong’. I would end up literally chasing. Finally, hopefully, they’ll give in.”
He even admitted that he bought a whole island – Necker Island, where he lives to this day – purely to woo Joan.
Branson has recounted how, at 27 years old, he pursued Joan to with a view to getting to her join him on a romantic getaway.
This was the photo Branson chose to accompany his announcement that Joan had passed awayCredit: Instagram
Branson posted this picture to Instagram just hours before announcing Joan’s deathCredit: PA:Press Association
The couple were the picture of a happy marriage right to the endCredit: Getty
His bright idea was to pretend he was interested in buying an island so the pair could spend time on it together.
Branson phoned up the estate agent who organised helicopter and accommodation for two people.
Joan agreed to join him and they toured Necker Island together – with Branson growing more infatuated by the moment.
He recalled looking at Joan as they flew over the island in a helicopter and thinking: “Alright, she’s going to be the mother of my kids. That’s where we’re going to live.”
Both of those prophecies were to come true because, eventually, his determination paid off – and the pair embarked on a romance that endured until the day of her death.
As the relationship progressed, the smitten couple’s thoughts quickly turned toward having children – but in this they would encounter tragedy.
Their first child, Clare Sarah, was born three months prematurely in 1979, and died after just a few short days.
Branson opened up about the agonising episode – confiding that it was “horrendous” and that Joan never truly came to terms with it.
He told in 2009: “We were hoping and praying that the hospital would keep her alive, but it wasn’t to be.”
The pair got married in 1989 at Branson’s Necker Island in the Caribbean SeaCredit: virgin.com
He uploaded this picture a week ago, captioned: ‘Everyone needs a Joan in their life’Credit: Instagram
The couple went on to have two healthy children, Holly and Sam, born in 1981 and 1985 respectively.
It was 11 years after Joan’s that she and Branson finally tied the knot – in 1989.
The ceremony was held on Necker Island in the – the same island Branson had bought to impress Joan years earlier.
During their 36 years of , the pair have remained staunchly by each other’s side – though Joan preferred to stay out of the spotlight that so constantly followed her husband.
They have since become proud grandparents to five: Etta, Artie, Lola, Eva-Deia and Bluey.
In 2016 the couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, and the Virgin boss penned a love letter to Joan.
It read: “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.
The family in 2000 after the Investiture at Buckingham PalaceCredit: Alamy
The pair in their younger yearsCredit: richardbranson / Instagram
“I generally make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meeting them, and Joan won my heart instantly. She was unlike any other women I had ever met.
“She was beautiful. She was bright. She was witty. She was down to earth. She was fun. And she had eyes made of magic.”
In July, for Joan’s 80th birthday, Branson wrote: “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.”
And then today, announcing her passing, he posted a touching tribute to social media.
It read: “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.”
The entrepreneur said he fell in love with Joan at first sightCredit: richardbranson / Instagram
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
