Sir Richard Branson has led his family and friends in a deeply personal and ethereal ceremony to honour the life of his late wife, Joan, on the couple's private Caribbean island. The poignant event took place on New Year's Eve under what was described as the brightest moon of the year, just six weeks after Joan's passing in November at the age of 80.
A Moonlit Procession in White
The memorial saw the Virgin Group founder, his children Holly and Sam, and a large group of loved ones walk in a single-file procession across the sand dunes of Necker Island. All attendees wore white for the celebration of Joan's "otherworldly presence." The 74-acre island, located in the British Virgin Islands, holds profound significance for the family; Branson purchased it for $180,000 in 1979 as a home for himself and Joan, and it was where they married a decade later in 1989.
Champagne Toasts and Heartfelt Tributes
During the ceremony, Sir Richard, who had his arm in a sling, delivered a speech about his beloved wife of 36 years. The gathering raised glasses of champagne in a toast to her memory on the very beach where they exchanged vows. Sharing images from the night on social media, the 75-year-old entrepreneur wrote a lengthy tribute, explaining the family's philosophy. "My family and I have always believed in celebrating people’s lives, while they are with us and after they are gone. That is exactly what we did for Joan," he stated.
He described an evening filled with "stories, songs, laughter, and tears" in honour of an "incredible partner, mum, grandmother, and friend." Branson first met Joan in 1976 when she was working in an antique sign shop in London's Notting Hill. He concluded his tribute with the emotional words: "Joan was my everything, the shining star around which our family’s universe has always orbited. That light is not gone; it’s just taken on a new shape."
A Daughter's Love and Legacy
The couple's daughter, Holly Branson, 44, also shared a moving public tribute to her mother, reflecting on the challenge of summarising 44 years of unconditional love. "She oozed love to everyone in her orbit and made everyone feel special," Holly wrote. She described how the initial shock of her mother's death was gradually shifting into a "deep gratitude" for having such a brilliant and kind parent.
Holly revealed a touching moment with her own daughter, Etta, who noted her mother was "channelling your inner Amma" (grandmother) during a shopping trip. "That is exactly what I want to do," Holly affirmed. "Channel you every day to be the best wife, mum, and, one day, grandparent I can be."
Joan Branson died suddenly in November while both she and Richard were in hospital. She was recovering from a back injury, though her official cause of death remains unknown. Sir Richard has said her passing was quick and painless, stating simply, "suddenly, she was gone." The moonlit ceremony on Necker Island served as the family's unique and heartfelt farewell to a woman who was at the centre of their world for nearly five decades.
