Sir Richard Branson has posted a sweet snap of his family hosting an early Christmas dinner - as daughter Holly and daughter-in-law Isabella will be unable to fly to Necker Island for their annual tradition due to pregnancy.
The multi-billionaire businessman has posted a statement on his website, revealing: "Christmas on Necker Island is a bit different to the festive season in London or New York.... Every Christmas, like families all around the world, we get together, just to be together. We are usually blessed to swim, take in the sun, laugh, swap stories, and eat Joan’s delicious food."
"But this year will be different, as my daughter Holly and daughter-in-law Bellie are expecting babies in the early new year and therefore cannot fly."
Holly, 32, announced she was pregnant with twins in August, revealing on her father's website: "Freddie and I are delighted to share the happy news that we are expecting twins!" while Richard's son Sam announced he and wife Isabella were also expecting their first child in September.
Sir Richard continued: "This is the first time that Sam and Holly have spent Christmas in the UK, and while Joan and I will miss them terribly, we’re so happy that they will join their in-laws in a beautiful celebration of love.
"However we weren’t going to miss out completely – making up for this lost time, my wife Joan and I recently travelled to be with the kids at their homes in Oxford for an early Christmas celebration."
He finished: "We’re all very much eagerly awaiting the babies’ births, and can’t wait to spoil them with love and attention next Christmas.
"Santa hasn’t visited Necker for a number of years, but I know he’ll be back next year, more likely than not arriving on paddle board or by kite surfing. I’m already thinking of all the fun adventures we will all have."
Holly married Fred in December 2011 on her father's private Necker Island despite a devastating fire on the island four months earlier.
Sharing her exclusive wedding album and speaking only to HELLO! magazine, Holly said in 2012: "Because it is such a dramatic environment, you don't get a sad feeling on the ruins, it's more of an uplifting, wow, a feeling of celebration and a time to reflect."
