A Touching Tribute from a Kingdom
Sir Richard Branson has been profoundly moved by a beautiful and unexpected gesture made in memory of his beloved wife, Joan, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 80. The Virgin Group founder revealed that the King of Bhutan, along with the nation's monks and people, organised a special tribute for his late wife.
An Illuminated Memorial
Taking to Instagram, the 75-year-old business mogul shared a poignant image of a framed photograph of his wife surrounded by countless lit candles. The display was set up in the main monastery of Bhutan as a mark of respect and remembrance.
In his heartfelt post, Branson expressed his gratitude, writing: "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." He added, "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. So beautiful and kind."
He poignantly concluded that he knew Joan would have hoped this act of kindness brought comfort to anyone else who has lost someone close to them.
A Love Story of Five Decades
The tribute comes after the devastating news Branson shared last week about the death of his wife of 50 years. He described how Joan died "quickly" and "painlessly" while she was in hospital recovering from a back injury.
In a twist of fate, Branson himself was in the same hospital after a cycling accident in India. He recounted a tender final moment: "I found myself moved to a room just down the corridor from her. We laughed together about how typical it was of us to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again."
He shared details of their last lunch together, noting she was in positive spirits. "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," he wrote. "Then suddenly, she was gone. And thankfully, I was right by her side."
Branson ended his initial announcement by calling Joan his "everything" and the "shining star" around which their family orbited, vowing to carry her light with them always.
The family, including their children Holly and Sam, are now navigating their grief, trying to "smile through the tears" and focus on the immense good Joan brought into their world.
