Richard Branson's touching tribute to late wife Joan as she's painted on side of new Virgin Atlantic plane named after her favourite Spice Girls song

Richard Branson has unveiled a touching tribute to his late wife Joan - her portrait painted on the side of a new Virgin Atlantic plane. Sir Richard Branson's wife, Lady Joan Sarah Drummond Branson, passed away aged 80 on November 24, 2025, at hospital following complications caused by a back injury she suffered weeks earlier.Now Lady Branson has been immortalised by her husband after Sir Richard took to Instagram to reveal she has been painted on the side of the carrier’s newest aircraft.Sir Richard said: 'So touching to see Virgin Atlantic’s new plane paying tribute to my wonderful wife, Joan.'Joan was part of the Virgin Atlantic story from the very beginning. From joining the inaugural flight in 1984, to coming up with the idea of donating loose change on-board for charity (which resulted in almost every airline in the world following suit and raising billions over the years). 'She was always there.'The design includes personal details including the Branson family tartan, a heart-shaped necklace and the rings Lady Branson wore every day.In a further tribute the new jet has been named Viva Forever after the Spice Girls' Number 1 hit single which was also Lady Branson's favourite song. Sir Richard Branson's touching tribute to Lady Joan Sarah Drummond Branson features personal details including the Branson family tartan, a heart-shaped necklace and the rings Lady Branson wore every day Lady Branson passed away aged 80 on November 24, 2025, at hospital following complications caused by a back injury she suffered weeks earlier In a further tribute the new jet has been named Viva Forever after the Spice Girls' no.1 hit single which was also Lady Branson's favourite songSir Richard's airline, which is the third most popular airline in the UK, has a long history of naming aircraft after notable women and decorating their noses with a flying icon. In 2021 it named an Airbus A350 Fearless Lady in honour of Eve Branson - Sir Richard’s mother. In 2024, Virgin Atlantic launched its Airbus A330neo Ruby Rebel for the airline's 40th anniversary, featuring a figure inspired by Holly Branson wearing a bracelet bearing the initials J, S and H for Joan, Sam and Holly.At the time of Lady Branson's death, her husband, Virgin tycoon Sir Richard, was in the same hospital as her, having injured his shoulder in a bike accident in India.Sharing the news last year, he said: 'Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away.'She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan.'He later added Lady Branson died 'quickly and painlessly', and that he had shared lunch with her on the day of her death.The couple's daughter Holly also shared an emotional tribute to her late mother as she reflected on the 'initial shock and pain' of her passing, describing her as 'one in a billion, brilliant and kind'. Sir Richard and Glasgow-born Lady Branson first met in 1976 at The Manor, a former recording studio in Oxfordshire, EnglandPosting photos with Joan throughout her childhood, Holly said she and her family 'feel very loved' following an outpouring of sympathies in the wake of her mother's passing.The family held a beachfront gathering for friends and family to remember her at his 74-acre private estate on Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands.Sir Richard and Glasgow-born Lady Branson first met in 1976 at The Manor, a former recording studio in Oxfordshire, England.At the time, the former model was working in an antiques shop in Notting Hill, not far from the Virgin office.The couple had three children, Holly, Sam and Clare Sarah. Clare Sarah died shortly after birth in 1979.