Final preparations are being made for Liam Payne's funeral today in the Home Counties, coming more than a month after his tragic passing in Argentina.
Loved ones of the One Direction star will assemble to mourn the loss of the 31-year-old, who met a tragic end after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16.
In connection with his demise, three individuals have been charged. Achieving fame at a young age on The X Factor, Liam sustained "serious injuries that were incompatible with life", and an ongoing inquiry is delving into the circumstances of his death.
A fortnight ago, Liam's grieving father Geoff repatriated his son's remains to British soil in preparation for his interment. Today marks the day when family and friends bid their heartfelt farewell to a dear brother, son, father, and friend.
A private ceremony in the Home Counties will see Liam laid to rest, surrounded by those closest to him with a subsequent wake planned. His former bandmates from One Direction – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik – are all expected to join the service, along with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy who has been left heartbroken.
Cheryl, mother to his seven-year-old son Bear, is also anticipated to be present at the funeral today, reports the Mirror.
Before the ceremony, preparations are in full swing at the church, with stunning floral displays already adorning the entrance. Early in the morning, an assortment of flowers were carefully placed atop the church's archway and positioned outside in anticipation of the mourners' arrival.
White roses mingled with seasonal foliage created a serene ambience at the entry, while the pathway was lined with glowing candles. According to a close source, Liam's loved ones have been determined to provide him with a faultless farewell.
Speaking to The Sun, the insider disclosed: "His family have gone to great lengths to put together the perfect service and give him the send off he deserves. Liam may have been a global superstar but to Geoff and Karen he will always be their little boy. It is going to be an incredibly difficult day."
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Liam's former bandmates are among those expected to be present, as well as Simon Cowell. In a collective statement released last month, One Direction expressed their profound sorrow, saying: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say."
The statement read: "But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."
The One Direction stars will come together for the first time in nine years to pay their respects at Liam's funeral.
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