Sir Richard Branson has shared a touching tribute made by the King of Bhutan following the death of his wife Joan earlier this month. The Virgin founder posted an image on Instagram showing a framed picture of his late wife surrounded by lit candles in a monastery, with the king and monks honouring her memory.
Writing on social media, the 75-year-old said: 'Thank you so much to everyone who has been in touch and shown so much love for Joan and our family over the past few days. It means the world to us. We are also incredibly touched to see what the King of Bhutan, the monks and the people of Bhutan have done for Joan in the main monastery. So beautiful and kind.' He added that Joan would hope the gesture brings comfort to others who have lost a loved one.
Last week, Branson announced that Joan had died at the age of 80 after being treated in hospital for a back injury. He revealed that he was also in the same hospital recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in a bike accident in India. The couple, who were married for 50 years, ended up on the same floor, and Branson described having a 'lovely lunch' together on the day she died.
He wrote: 'She was in positive spirits and getting stronger. She smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face, the same smile I fell in love with the very first moment I saw her, half a century ago. Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side.' Branson said that Joan was his 'everything' and that her light would guide them forward.
The couple's children, Holly and Sam, are said to be doing their best to smile through the tears and focus on the good Joan brought into their lives.
