An inquest has concluded that Joan Branson's life could have been saved if doctors had prescribed her anticoagulant medication for a blood clot in her lung. Lady Branson, the wife of Sir Richard Branson, passed away at the age of 80 on November 24, 2025, due to complications from a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis. The inquest, held at Westminster Coroner's Court, revealed that she was admitted to The Lister Hospital in Chelsea on November 17 after suffering a fall at her home on Necker Island.
Lady Branson had a history of blood clots and had previously received anti-clotting injections. However, Professor Fiona Wilcox, the senior coroner for Inner West London, stated that she did not receive prophylactic anticoagulants, specifically Enoxaparin, prior to her death, despite a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. The coroner indicated that the lack of anticoagulation likely contributed to her death.
Dr. Holly Branson, Lady Branson's daughter, expressed concerns about her mother's treatment in the hospital but did not want to blame any individual doctor. She noted that her mother was accustomed to receiving the medication and questioned why it was not offered. Dr. Branson stated that she would have insisted on the medication had she known it was not being administered.
Dr. Basir Kunduzi, who was responsible for Lady Branson's care, acknowledged that he believed she should have been prescribed the anticoagulant but delayed the decision pending a CT scan to check for bleeding risks. He later expressed regret over the decision, stating it would weigh on him for the rest of his life.
Dr. Nevil Pavithran, who took over her care, confirmed that she should have received the anticoagulants within 12 hours of her admission. He stated there was no bleeding risk from the drugs. Dr. Inaki Bovill, the consultant on duty, admitted that the necessary assessments and prescriptions were not carried out upon her admission.
Family members described Lady Branson as a deeply loved individual known for her warmth and kindness. Sir Richard Branson referred to her as the 'most wonderful mum and grandmum' following her passing. The couple married in 1989 on Necker Island.