Richard Branson’s son Sam surprised his grieving family with a new pet dog at Christmas, following his mother Joan’s recent death.
The singer, 40, opened up about the heartbreaking decision behind the dog’s name choice after Joan passed away aged 80 last month.
Taking to his Facebook page, the actor shared a lovely picture of the new puppy, and wrote: ‘Welcome to the family Luna!
‘My mum used to always say ‘I love you to the moon and back!’… And so I thought I’d surprise my clan with a little bundle of joy, named in her honour this Christmas.
‘I hope you all have a magical one, filled with love, laughter and gratitude.
He concluded: ‘For those that are missing loved ones, sending you a big hug from my heart to yours. They are with us in spirit. Big big love to you all.’
Richard Branson’s son Sam, 40, surprised his grieving family with a new pet dog at Christmas, unveiling a sweet nod to his late mother Joan Templeman (Sam and mum Joan pictured)
The singer opened up about the heartbreaking decision behind the dog’s name choice – Luna – after Joan passed away aged 80 just earlier last month
He wrote: ‘My mum used to always say ‘I love you to the moon and back!’… And so I thought I’d surprise my clan with a little bundle of joy, named in her honour this Christmas’
Over the festivities, the family put on a brave face during their first Christmas without Joan.
Sam took to Instagram with a photo of his two children’s Elves on the Shelf after they filled the toilet with cereal, he captioned the post: ‘Merry Christmas everyone’.
Richard also shares daughter Holly, 43, with his late wife, to whom he was married for 36, years.
Last week, Sir Richard, 76, has paid tribute to his wife on what would have been their 36th wedding anniversary.
In a touching post on Instagram, the Virgin boss wrote: ‘Today marks mine and Joan’s wedding anniversary.
‘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!’
In the poignant tribute, Sir Richard also noted that the date marked when their daughter, Holly, also married her husband, Freddie Andrewes, as well as the birth of their twins Etta and Artie – his and Joan’s grandchildren.
Sir Richard Branson and his late wife Joan (middle) are seen with son Sam (L) and daughter Holly (R)
Sam also took to Instagram with a snap of his two children’s Elves on the Shelf after they filled the toilet with cereal, he captioned the post: ‘Merry Christmas everyone’
Last week, Sir Richard, 76, has paid tribute to his wife on what would have been their 36th wedding anniversary following her death aged 80 last month (pictured together)
The series of photos shared of the couple laughing together were taken just months before Joan’s death.
Sir Richard described her as a ‘wonderful mum and grandmum’ and his ‘best friend’ when he announced her death on November 25.
He wrote: ‘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.’
