Liam Payne was privately laid to rest yesterday, a month after his untimely death at 31. Despite the service not being open to the public, images surfaced from outside St Mary's Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
Liam's family and One Direction bandmates - Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan - were all present. His ex-partner Cheryl, supported by Girls Aloud members Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, attended with her and Liam's seven year old son Bear, as did Liam's girlfriend at the time of his passing, Kate Cassidy.
Other notable attendees included X Factor and Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, Gavin and Stacey star James Corden, JLS singer Marvin Humes and his wife Rochelle, broadcaster Adrian Chiles and footballer Robbie Keane. Here's what we know about Liam's private funeral service, from Cheryl's heart-wrenching decision on whether to bring son Bear to Kate Cassidy likely meeting Liam's parents for the first time.
READ MORE: Liam Payne funeral updates: Cheryl had 'hardest day of her life' at 1D star's service
Cheryl is thought to have played a key role in planning the funeral with Liam's grieving parents, Geoff and Karen Payne. Although the service was widely expected to be in his hometown of Wolverhampton, it actually took place at St Mary's Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
Chalfont Saint Giles, the village where Liam, Cheryl and their son Bear once lived, held a significant place in Liam's heart. After his split with Cheryl, he even purchased a house nearby to stay close to his son, reports the Mirror.
Sources reveal that following his tragic death, Liam's family desired a dignified and "perfect" farewell for him. The service was adorned with candles, floral tributes, and personal touches to honour Liam's memory, including a tribute from his son Bear that simply read 'Daddy'.
A unique floral arrangement depicted bowling pins being struck by a ball, a nod to Liam's love of the sport. He had celebrated his 31st birthday bowling with his family on 29th August, mere weeks before his untimely passing.
Kate Cassidy, Liam's girlfriend at the time of his death, also attended the service. This occasion likely marked the first meeting between the 25 year old and Liam's parents, despite their relationship dating back to October 2022.
She arrived at the funeral alongside Damian Hurley, Elizabeth Hurley's son and her friend prior to meeting Liam. Kate had been in Buenos Aires with Liam but returned home four days before his death after reportedly giving him an ultimatum: 'it's me or the drugs'.
Following the tragic event, Kate shared with her social media followers that they had plans to tie the knot. She revealed a note from Liam which read: 'Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged and together forever 444' – the so-called angel number symbolising love and support.
Describing him as the 'love of her life', she posted on social media: "Liam, I know we'll be together forever, but not in the way that we planned. You'll always be with me. I've gained a guardian angel. I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me wherever I go. Forever yours, Katelyn, 444."
In a heart-wrenching decision, Cheryl decided that their seven year old son should attend the funeral, despite wrestling with whether it was the right thing to do. Ultimately, the mum-of-one felt it was only fair that Bear got to bid farewell to his beloved dad Liam, alongside the rest of his family and close friends.
Cheryl has also made a poignant final promise to Liam for the sake of their son, Bear. A friend told MailOnline that the singer has vowed that their child will never forget his father.
A source close to Cheryl opened up about the tough time she's facing, revealing: "She [Cheryl] has her own grief, but she also has a little boy who won't see his daddy again, and that is just heartbreaking. While she and Liam split a long time ago, they were bonded over their love of Bear. Liam died in such a horrible way but the family wanted to remember him in the most perfect way possible."
In a heartfelt Instagram post paying homage to Liam, Cheryl penned: "As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being."
She continued to express her deep sorrow, writing: "Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."
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