Holly Branson quits medicine to work for her father

Sir Richard Branson's daughter has abandoned a career in medicine to join his business empire.

Holly Branson, 26, completed five years of study to qualify as a junior doctor and was about to enter her second year of hospital training.

However, the Virgin heiress, who is in line to inherit a large slice of her father's £2.7 billion fortune, has decided to take up an internship at the firm.

It is thought Sir Richard may now involve his daughter in his plans to launch a network of super-surgeries replacing GP practices in London. She told the Daily Mail: "I'm leaving medicine next Tuesday to start working with my dad. He's just offered me such an exciting opportunity I couldn't turn him down. I trained very hard to get into medicine, so I won't say I'll never go back to it. But I want to give this new project my all, so I'm deferring my medical training for a year."

Miss Branson's decision was thought to be backed by her mother, Joan. Sir Richard was said to be delighted when she qualified as a doctor but has made no secret of his desire to involve his daughter and her brother Sam in the business.

Miss Branson studied at University College London before passing her exams last year and starting her first job at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. She revealed her career change at the Cartier International polo tournament at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor yesterday.