Last updated on: January 6, 2025

Edward Branson was the father of Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group. Edward’s life was highly interesting and diverse, such as being a war veteran and later becoming a successful barrister. He played an important role in his son’s life and influenced his life significantly in making the man Richard became. Here, we take a deeper look at Edward Branson, his life, and his relationship with his popular son.

Quick Facts About Edward Branson

Early Life and Career

Edward James Branson was born on 10 March 1918. He was a British barrister and magistrate. He was a soldier before becoming a barrister. As a soldier, this was quite a big part of his early life. After serving in World War II, he became a barrister and worked as a magistrate. He had a highly successful career in law but his life was not strictly about work.

Edward was also an excellent swimmer. He enjoyed the water so much that he spent most of his time swimming. This is one of the hobbies that he passed on to his children, including Richard. Edward had always felt that Richard should have pursued a career in law like a lawyer, not as an entrepreneur. He supported all Richard’s business ideas, but often wished he hadn’t encouraged him to pursue law.

Relationship with Richard Branson

Edward Branson had a very special place in Richard’s life. He was a supportive father but with high expectations, too. Richard often describes how his father wanted him to pursue more conventional careers. However, Richard had this entrepreneurial spirit, and so he took a different direction. Though Edward did not agree completely with Richard for becoming an entrepreneur, he always supported him. Richard once mentioned that his father was proud of his success, even though he didn’t always understand his business ventures.

Edward was a charming personality. He was an entertaining fellow and enjoyed making people laugh. Edward was charismatic and could easily make others feel at ease around him. In numerous interviews, Richard has praised the influence of his father. Although they were different when it came to their viewpoints on Richard’s career path, the love was always evident between them.

Life of Edward Branson after Marriage

Edward Branson lived a long full life. He died 19 March 2011 of the age of 89. In his later days, Edward was proud and boastful of his son achievements. He may not even have agreed with Richard but he respected what his boy achieved in life. From what Richard has said many times, he admired immensely his father’s strength as well as character.

Edward lived through many historical events and had seen the world change into many things. Most of what he experienced as a soldier in the war defined who he was in life, though he remained very strong as well as full of light. He had a rather adventurous spirit that Richard probably inherited from him.

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The Legacy of Edward

Though Edward Branson is not as famous as his son Richard, his legacy lives on through Richard’s achievements. Edward was a big influence on Richard’s character and values. His support, though sometimes quiet, helped Richard become the successful entrepreneur he is today.

The other way that Edward’s legacy continues is through Richard’s family. The children that Richard has, for instance, Holly and Sam Branson, continue in the tradition of adventure, creativity, and entrepreneurship in his family. In a way, Edward’s spirit lives through them as they make their mark in the world.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com