Richard Branson’s Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Virginia.
Richard Branson, the co-founder of Virgin Group, recently shared a touching story about his long-standing relationship with a Nigerian pen pal named Virginia — a bond that began under extraordinary circumstances.
On March 20, 2025, Virginia celebrated her 21st birthday, marking a special milestone in a life that started in the most unexpected place — mid-flight on a Virgin Atlantic plane.
Branson recalled how Virginia’s mother was flying from Lagos to London when she unexpectedly went into labor a month early. At 30,000 feet above the Sahara Desert, with the help of a skilled nurse and a surgeon who happened to be on board, Virginia made her entrance into the world.
Inspired by the unique circumstances of her birth, Virginia’s mother named her after the airline. In celebration of this rare event, Virgin Atlantic gifted Virginia a free flight every year for the first 21 years of her life — a tradition that created a lasting connection between Branson and Virginia.
Branson shared that over the years, he and Virginia have kept in touch regularly. They exchange song recommendations, life updates, and stories about her travels. As she turned 21, Branson expressed his deep affection for her, calling her his “favorite pen pal to date.”
Reflecting on their bond, Branson posted heartfelt photos of Virginia from different stages of her life and wrote:
“For the past 21 years, I’ve had a wonderful pen pal. On this day, 21 years ago, Virginia became the first person to be born on a Virgin Atlantic flight. Her amazing mother was traveling from Lagos to London with her 19-month-old son when Virginia decided it was time to make her entrance — one month early! Thanks to the incredible care of a nurse, a surgeon, and the Virgin Atlantic crew, Virginia arrived safely at 30,000 feet over the Sahara Desert.”
“We decided to give Virginia a free flight every year for her first 21 years, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. We share music recommendations and life updates, and I’ve loved watching her journey unfold. Sending lots of love to you, Virginia, and to your family. My favorite pen pal to date!”
This heartwarming story captures not just the magic of an extraordinary birth, but also the enduring connection that has grown from it — proving that sometimes, the most meaningful relationships can take flight in the most unexpected ways.
