Sir Richard Branson’s son, Sam Branson, is speaking publicly for the first time following the death of his mother, Joan Templeman. On Tuesday, November 25, Richard announced that his beloved partner of nearly 50 years died at age 80.
GettyIn his Instagram post, he called Templeman the “most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for.” Hours later, Sam, 40, shared his own tribute filled with love and gratitude.
Sam Branson’s Tear-Jerking Tribute To Mom
“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,” Sam wrote.
He continued, “Thank you for all that you were to me, our family and to everyone who was blessed by your graceful, loving presence. I am so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum.”
“I love you to the moon and back 🌝,” he added. “Forever and Ever ♥️.”
A Lifetime of Memories Captured in Precious Photos
Sam’s tribute featured a carousel of family photos that traced their relationship through the decades. One picture showed him kissing Templeman on the cheek soon after the birth of one of his children with his wife, Isabella Calthorpe.
Other images captured more recent moments, including warm selfies taken in the years leading up to Templeman’s death.
He also included childhood memories. In one throwback photo, Sam sat on Richard’s lap while his sister Holly Branson, now 44, leaned in close to their mother. The collection offered a look at the family’s long history together and the love that shaped their home.
Paris Hilton was among the many who shared condolences in the comments, writing, “So sorry Sam, sending you and your family my love and condolences.”
Remembering Clare Sarah, the Bransons’ First Child
Sam is the second of the three children Richard and Templeman shared. Their first child, Clare Sarah, was born in 1979, three months premature, and died four days later in Scotland.
Richard has rarely spoken publicly about the loss, but he reflected on the experience during a 2009 interview with Piers Morgan.
“I don’t think anything could have brought us closer together, and I don’t think we needed to go through something like that to bring us closer together,” he said, as reported by People. “Having Holly and Sam, you know, 100% bound our relationship forever.”
He continued, “We’ve been absolutely blessed [to have] two fantastic kids. There are other people we know who’ve lost a child who weren’t able to carry on and have other children. For them, that’s a nightmare they have to live with for the rest of their lives. For us, we just got two of the best kids we could imagine.”
Richard remembered Templeman as his “best friend,” “guiding light” and “world,” while Sam’s tribute echoed the quiet strength she brought to their lives. Holly has also honored her mother with posts celebrating Templeman’s warmth and devotion.
As the Branson family grieves the loss of their matriarch, they are surrounded by messages of love from friends, loved ones and the many people touched by Joan Templeman’s presence.
