Richard E Grant shares moving tribute ahead of wife's funeral

Richard E Grant has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his late wife ahead of her funeral.

The Withnail And I actor revealed last week that his wife Joan Washington had passed away at the age of 71.

Read more: Richard E Grant 'grateful' to Twitter followers after they help find his stolen car

Sharing a moving image of the pair hugging ahead of her funeral on Thursday, he tweeted: “35 years ago we pledged ‘In Sickness and in Health’.

"That Time has come for us today, as @OliviaGranted & I and our friends gather for the funeral of my beloved wife, Joan.

"The depth of our sorrow mirrored by the magnitude of our love.”

Grant and Washington – who was a voice coach – had been together for 38 years and were married for 35.

They welcomed their daughter Olivia in 1989.

Announcing his wife's death, Grant shared a video of them dancing together and wrote: “ONLY YOU! Joan - Love of my Life & Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia.

"Our hearts are broken with the loss of your Life last night.

Watch: Richard E Grant 'hit by tsunamis of grief' after death of wife

"35 years married & 38 together.

"To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift."

"Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine," he added.

Read more: Richard E Grant and Emily Watson to star in romcom

The 64-year-old actor later said he had been “overwhelmed” by the messages of love and support he had received after sharing his sad news.

“Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her,” he added.