Richard Branson heartbroken as mother Eve dies aged 96 after coronavirus battle

Eve was married to Edward James Branson, a former cavalryman. He died on 19 March 2011 in his sleep at the age of 93.

Back in 2011, Branson escaped a fire at her son Richard’s luxurious mansion on Necker Island alongside actress Kate Winslet.

She had previously denied reports that it was the Titanic star who “saved” her from the blaze, after photos showed Kate lifting her up to escape from the burning wreckage.

Eve told The Guardian: “I didn’t have my contact lenses in, but I was making my way out and Kate and her two children were behind me. Then she just sort of picked me up and took me down four steps and that was it. I’m sorry, I can’t make a story out of it.”