Richard Branson has been overwhelmed with supportive messages after sharing a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Joan Templeman. The Virgin Group founder recently announced the sudden passing of his wife of nearly five decades. Joan passed away at the age of 80 while she was recuperating from a back injury. In a poignant social media post, 75-year-old Richard expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy, noting that his family has been profoundly touched by the kind words.

Accompanying two cherished photographs of himself with Joan, Richard wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has shared such kind messages about Joan. Our whole family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love. It brings us great comfort and means so much to us all. We are the kind of family that now just wants to celebrate Joan and the wonderful life she lived. I feel so lucky to have met her all those years ago. She was just a joy to be around – as so many of your messages have echoed. Sending big hugs to everyone who has been in touch.”

Richard continued, “And to anyone who has lost a family member recently, our thoughts (and Joan’s thoughts, I’m sure) are with you as well.”

His heartfelt words resonated deeply with friends and followers, who flocked to the comments section to offer their own messages of support.

“Beautiful photos, wonderful memories – sending love,” commented one admirer, while another added, “We are thinking of you Richard, Holly, and Sam. Lovely photos.”

Another posted: “Sending blessings & love to your family.” While a fourth added: “You look so happy together and it reflects in your lovely children. May you and your family continue to be happy and celebrate her and enjoy her spiritual presence in your lives always.”

After Joan’s death, Richard shared an insight into her final moments, revealing she died “quickly and painlessly”.

Richard explained that he ended up in the same hospital as Joan due to a shoulder injury he sustained from a bike accident in India. He said: “As many already know, I’d come off my bike in India and hurt my shoulder. Joan was recovering from her own back injury in hospital in England.

“In a surprising twist of fate, I found myself moved to a room just down the corridor from her. We laughed together about how typical it was of us to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again.”

Richard recalled enjoying a “lovely lunch” with Joan before she passed away.

He added: “She smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face, the same smile I fell in love with the very first moment I saw her, half a century ago. Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side. It brings us all great comfort to know we were together.”

Richard has been spending time with their two children, Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, as they mourn the loss of Joan.