Sir Richard said she was "the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for".

Yesterday Sir Richard Branson, 75, revealed his partner of 50 years had passed away aged 80.

The Virgin tycoon, 75, and his wife were wed in 1989 when their two children, Holly and Sam, were eight and four. The couple now have three grandchildren.

Richard Branson has paid tribute to his wife Joan in a lengthy letter, revealing she was in hospital before she sadly died