Richard Branson example of Portugal. Branson was ordained as a minister by the Universal Life Church Monastery. Branson is also an experienced kitesurfer, holding some world records in the sport. In August 2016, Branson was injured while riding his bicycle in the British Virgin Islands and suffered torn ligaments and a cracked cheek as a result. He was taken to hospital in Miami for X-rays and scans. In 2017, Branson's Necker Island home was left uninhabitable after Hurricane Irma hit. It is the second time the Necker Island home has been severely damaged after the building caught fire when it was struck
Richard Branson 2000 election, with polls indicating he would be a viable candidate, but he did not express interest. Branson has supported continuing British membership of the European Union and was opposed to the 2016 referendum. On 28 June 2016, interviewed for ITV's "Good Morning Britain", he said that his company had lost a third of its value as a result of the referendum result and that a planned venture, employing over 3,000 people, which he had announced before the referendum, had been shelved. He gave his backing for a second referendum. In 1993, Branson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor