Richard Branson’s daughter Holly, who ‘decided to be a boy’ for several years as a child, praised her parents’ open-mindedness in a sweet post to her mother

Richard Branson’s daughter praises parents love after identifying as a boy for years(Image: holly_branson/Instagram)

Sir Richard Branson’s daughter Holly has praised her parents’ open-mindedness and “unconditional love” after she identified as a boy for seven years. In a post dedicated to her Joan on her 80th birthday, Holly shared all the things she learned from the “open-minded, empathetic and kind” mother.

The daughter of Virgin CEO billionaire Richard said alongside a throwback picture of mum Joan: “The last few weeks have been filled with so much love and magical family moments. As a family, we love to be surrounded by people (strangers and friends alike), great food, good music, bad dancing, and lots of laughter. My heart is full after an early celebration of @bransonsam ’s 40th birthday onboard @VirginVoyages quickly followed by wonderful mum’s 80th birthday at @KasbahTamadot.”

Holly paid tribute to her mum on her 80th birthday(Image: holly_branson/Instagram)

She said: “My mum hates to be in the spotlight, but I’d love to share some of the most precious lessons I’ve learnt from her. Lessons that have shaped me; guided me; and that I carry into every corner of my own life. Thank you, Mum. There are no words that can truly express the love we feel for you.

Holly went into the first lesson she learned, which was ‘unconditional love’ as she praised her mum’s quality of loving people unconditionally.

She posted: “I cannot tell you how thankful I am and how empowering it is to have someone there who loves without judgement and lets people carve their own path.

Holly identified as a boy for several years when she was a kid(Image: holly_branson/Instagram)

“When we were kids, I’m sure we drove Mum wild sometimes. Forty years ago, the world was very different and having a daughter who decided from the age of four that she wanted to be a boy must have been difficult to navigate back then. Mum (and Dad) never made me feel like I was strange in any way, and I am so thankful to them both for this. “

Holly added: “Mum has always been so open-minded, empathetic and kind. Truly letting me and Sam be totally free to become the people we wanted to be.

“To take the path in life that was right for us without any pressure to do things differently. At times when Etta, Artie and Lola say or do things that make me want to pull my hair out, I call on my inner Joan.

“I remember that they are just learning how to express themselves, exploring new feelings and finding their own passions. I’ve realised that unconditional love and support also comes with a large helping of patience – thank you for teaching me that, Mum. And breathe!”

Holly previously opened up about being a boy for several years of her childhood. Speaking on TV presenter Natalie Pinkham’s podcast, she explained: “At the age of four, I decided I was a boy. It wasn’t that I wanted to be a boy – it was that I was a boy.

“It was just after my brother was born and… maybe I wanted to be like him. This wasn’t just a quick thing that stopped after a few months or years, it lasted until I was nearly 11.

“I was so lucky to have parents that were really accepting of it, that they didn’t question any of it, they let me be who I wanted to be.”