Grieving Richard Branson's Tribute Post to His Late Wife on Their Wedding Anniversary Sparks Public Discussion

A simple wedding anniversary tribute from the English business magnate turned into a heated online debate — blending grief and controversy in equal measure.

On December 20, 2025, Richard Branson took to Instagram to share a deeply personal message marking what would have been his and his late wife Joan Templeman's wedding anniversary.

Alongside a carousel of warm, light-hearted photos capturing the couple at what he described as her 80th birthday celebration earlier in the year, Branson wrote:

"Today marks mine and Joan's wedding anniversary (coincidentally, it also marks Holly and Freddie's anniversary, and the birthday of their wonderful twins - Etta and Artie!)."

"I still remember mine and Joan's wedding like it was yesterday. I'm not sure what I was whispering into her ear when these photos were taken on her 80th birthday this year, but I'm glad it made her smile! (swipe across)," the caption continued.

The images showed the couple laughing, smiling, and embracing in a relaxed setting surrounded by loved ones. Branson, dressed casually in a light blue polo shirt and sunglasses, looked content in Templeman's company, radiating affection and familiarity.

As criticism trickled into the comments section of the post, others stepped in to defend the grieving businessman.

However, what began as a heartfelt tribute soon became a flashpoint online. While many expressed sympathy and admiration, others were quick to raise unrelated concerns.

One person commented, "Are we just not going to address the photos of you that were leaked sir??" Another typed, "Did she approve of you and Epstien? So disappointed to see you in the epstien files [sic]."

These remarks refer to a recently resurfaced image of the Englishman posing with Jeffrey Epstein. In the photo, taken in a tropical location, Branson — wearing a white T-shirt and swimming shorts — appears alongside the American financier and convicted child sex offender.

The faces of two women in the background have been redacted. It is not the first time he has been seen in photographs with Epstein. However, Branson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and there is no suggestion of any criminal activity on his part.

As criticism trickled into the comments section of the post, others stepped in to defend the grieving businessman. "Seriously?? Let the guy mourn his wife without judgement. You can say your piece another day," shared one person, addressing the timing and tone of the backlash.

Another added, "There's a 'right time' to address sexual assault of children?" — a pointed and emotionally charged response highlighting the complexity of the discussion surrounding Epstein's crimes and public accountability.

Despite the comments beneath the anniversary post, Branson's tribute stands as a reminder of the couple's bond and the quiet moments of joy they shared, even as public reaction veered into more contentious territory.

In the final weeks of Templeman's life, Branson's posts painted a picture of enduring love — one built not just on grand gestures, but on decades of companionship, family, and shared adventure.

As we previously reported, Joan Templeman, the woman Richard Branson called his "guiding light" and "world," died after 50 years by his side. On November 25, 2025, the Virgin founder took to Instagram to announce her passing.

"Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away," he wrote. "She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for."

Eventually, it wasn't persistence that swayed her — it was a plane ticket.

The post came just two days after Branson shared a jubilant throwback image of the couple, with the caption, "Love this photo of Joan." Days earlier, he had uploaded another affectionate photo of them together, writing, "Everyone needs a Joan in their life."

In the final weeks of Templeman's life, Branson's posts painted a picture of enduring love — one built not just on grand gestures, but on decades of companionship, family, and shared adventure.

Here is a look back at the couple's journey — from a bold pursuit in the 1970s to a life shaped by loss, laughter, and legacy.

How a Billionaire Talked His Way into a Love Story

Before the jets, the island, and the empire, Branson was just a determined young man chasing a woman who wasn't especially interested in him, as Templeman was in another relationship when they first met. But that didn't deter him.

"With my own wife, I was known as 'Tagalong,'" he once admitted. "I would end up literally chasing. Finally, hopefully, they'll give in." Eventually, it wasn't persistence that swayed her — it was a plane ticket.

At 27, Branson concocted a plan to invite Templeman on a weekend trip to the Virgin Islands. Pretending to be interested in buying a private island, he called an estate agent, who laid on flights, a helicopter, and accommodation. He then rang Templeman and casually offered her the spare ticket.

"[...] She did come down," Branson recalled. "And we found this beautiful island where we live now." That island was Necker — now one of the most famous private residences in the world. But back then, it was part of a far more personal vision. As they flew over it together, Branson glanced at Templeman and had a realisation:

"Alright, she's going to be the mother of my kids. That's where we're going to live."

From Heartbreak to Home Life

The early years of their relationship were marked by love, loss, and resilience. Their first child was born prematurely and died just four days later — a tragedy that left a lasting mark on the couple. "It was a sad time," Branson said. "But having another child helped us heal."

They went on to welcome two children — Holly and Sam. Branson was in the delivery room for his daughter's birth — though only just. He later admitted that after a Virgin party the night before, Templeman had to physically kick him out of bed to get to the hospital in time.

In later years, their children carved their own paths.

At the time, the couple lived on a houseboat in Little Venice. Templeman and the new baby braved the cold winter wrapped up in the bedroom, while Branson ran Virgin Records from a cramped desk wedged between the bilge pump and the stairs. It wasn't glamorous — but it was theirs. And somehow, between teething and deadlines, they built a life.

Parenthood, Partnership, and Building an Empire

As Branson's business empire grew, so did the family. But amid boardrooms and launches, it was the chaos of parenthood that often made the strongest impression. "Starting a business is a lot like having a baby," he once wrote. "No matter how prepared you are, something unexpected will inevitably happen."

Between time zones and tantrums, Branson credits Templeman with holding the family together. She supported him quietly but unwaveringly — a presence far from the spotlight, but always at the centre of their world.

In later years, their children carved their own paths. Their daughter became a doctor before joining the Virgin leadership team and co-founding the charity Big Change. Their son launched his own production company, creating films focused on social issues.

Joan's death marks the end of a love story that unfolded across continents, industries, and generations.

"Joan and I couldn't be prouder of them both," Branson said, "particularly now that they are such loving, wise, and invested parents themselves."

By 2015, both Holly and Sam had children of their own, and Branson was embracing his new role as "grand-dude." He described family life as the true joy of his existence — more meaningful than any deal he had ever signed. He sweetly stated:

"My family means the world to me, much more so than business. We are lucky to be very close-knit […]. I'm looking forward to spoiling them [his grandchildren] and seeing my family's happiness increase."

An Enduring Legacy

Over five decades, Templeman witnessed the highs and lows of one of the world's most unconventional business careers, and her influence on the Virgin empire — and on Branson himself — was undeniable.

But for Richard Branson, it was never about the scale of the success — it was about who he shared it with. "She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world," he wrote on Instagram. "Love you forever, Joan."

Through it all, she remained a steady presence — warm, sharp, and fiercely loyal. Her death marks the end of a love story that unfolded across continents, industries, and generations.