An inquest has heard that Lady Joan Branson, the 80-year-old wife of Sir Richard Branson, likely died from a blood clot in her lungs after being admitted to hospital following a fall. A pre-inquest review hearing at Inner West London Coroner's Court was told there was "clear evidence" of a pulmonary embolism and an "overwhelming likelihood" of deep vein thrombosis. The full inquest, due to take place on 9 September, will hear evidence from several witnesses, including representatives of the Lister Hospital in Chelsea, where Lady Branson died on 24 November.

Lady Branson had a history of blood clots dating back to at least 2010, and in 2018 was found to have a series of clots from her ankle to her groin, prompting surgery to fit a device preventing clots reaching her lungs. Coroner Professor Fiona Wilcox said the inquest was not about "point scoring" but about establishing facts and learning lessons, while the family, including Sir Richard and children Holly and Sam, have said they are not seeking to apportion blame. Sir Richard, who was in the same hospital at the time recovering from a bike accident injury, has paid emotional tribute to his wife of 50 years, describing her as his "best friend" and "guiding light".