Sir Richard Branson has led his family in a heartfelt New Year's tribute to his late wife, Joan, describing a ceremony filled with 'songs, laughter and tears' on their private Caribbean island. The emotional gathering took place six weeks after Joan's passing at the age of 80.
A Private Island Farewell
The 75-year-old billionaire business magnate organised the service on Necker Island, his 74-acre private estate in the British Virgin Islands. The beachfront event was attended by their two children, Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, alongside close friends.
In video shared on social media, the group, dressed in matching white shirts, walked in single file along the island's rugged coastline. Sir Richard, who appeared to be nursing an arm injury, later gave a speech honouring his wife of 36 years, as guests raised flutes of champagne.
Captioning the posts, Branson wrote: '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 described a beautiful celebration with 'stories, songs, laughter, and tears', held in honour of an incredible partner, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Family Tributes and Shared Grief
The family chose to hold the ceremony beneath the 'brightest moon of the year' on the final day of December. Separate images showed Sir Richard and his son in deep reflection on the beach at moonrise.
Their son, Sam, shared his own posts, calling it 'A very special service for a very special woman.' He is a talented musician and performed during the celebrations.
Daughter Holly posted an emotional tribute, reflecting on the 'initial shock and pain' of losing her mother, whom she described as 'one in a billion, brilliant and kind.' She wrote of Joan's unconditional love and her own aim to channel her mother's spirit as a wife, mother, and future grandparent.
A 50-Year Partnership Remembered
Sir Richard first announced Joan's death in a moving post on Instagram and LinkedIn on November 25. He wrote: 'Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away... She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.'
The couple met in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire. Branson once recalled how the 'down-to-earth Scottish lady' wouldn't be impressed by his usual antics. They married on Necker Island in 1989, after their children were born.
Joan Branson has long been credited as the steadfast 'rock' behind the Virgin Group founder. The business empire includes Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Orbit. The couple had three children together. Their daughter, Clare Sarah, died shortly after birth in 1979.
In his November tribute, Branson reflected on their 'uncomplicated grief', stemming from a relationship where they never missed a chance to show love. He added a poignant reminder: 'Life is short.' The cause of Joan Branson's death has not been publicly disclosed.
