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International Business Times UK

Jim Manzon

Sir Branson Revealed He Tried to Buy a Private Island to Impress Joan — Despite Not Having Cash For It

Joan Branson Richard Branson Virgin Records Instagram Necker Island DODO

Richard and Joan Branson, whose early love story featured the daring island bid that would eventually shape his empire. (PHOTO: RICHARD BRANSON/INSTAGRAM)

Sir Richard Branson once attempted to buy a private island to impress his future wife, Joan, despite having no money for it. This candid revelation was shared in a blog post in 2020 — five years before her death this week at age 80.

The Virgin Group founder detailed the daring romantic gesture in a reflection published on Virgin.com in 2020, marking 44 years since the couple first met at The Manor, Virgin Records' live-in recording studio, in 1976.

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FL Declares Emergency in 25 Counties as Gulf Depression Could Become Season's First Hurricane, Residents Warned

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International Business Times UK

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USMNT Player Ratings vs. Canada: American Boys See Out Perfect Fall Window

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Top stories on inkl right now

Flydubai attack investigation widens as alleged hijacker’s training in New Zealand scrutinised

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Hamam al-Hammami spent 175 days in New Zealand until May 2019, as Australian Jewish group calls for full investigation into his time in Melbourne

The Guardian - AU

Kansas neighbour cut 133 trees, some 70 feet onto adjoining land; court upholds $6,500 award

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A Kansas appeals court has upheld a $6,500 damages award against a man whose neighbour’s fence project led to 133 trees being cut on adjoining land in 2015. The court found the landowner filed his trespass case within the legal time limit and that there was enough evidence to hold…

The Times of India

Germany’s former spy chief arrested over alleged treason: 2,000 classified documents at centre of probe

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FL Declares Emergency in 25 Counties as Gulf Depression Could Become Season's First Hurricane, Residents Warned

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared an emergency in 25 counties as Tropical Depression Nine tracks towards the Gulf Coast with hurricane-strength conditions possible near landfall.

International Business Times UK

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

USMNT Player Ratings vs. Canada: American Boys See Out Perfect Fall Window

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The U.S. men’s national team cruised to a 1–0 win against Canada.

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International Business Times UK

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