In a deeply emotional gathering, family, friends and fans united to bid farewell to One Direction star Liam Payne. The private ceremony was a day of intense grief for those in attendance, including Cheryl Tweedy, the singer's ex-girlfriend and mother of his seven year old son.
Cheryl, formerly of Girls Aloud, was comforted by her ex-bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, who were among the first to arrive in a display of solidarity. 'I watched as Liam Payne made his final journey and it was a scene of profound love' One Direction members arrive at Liam Payne's funeral as Harry, Zayn, Louis and Niall reunite.
As mourners entered the church just before 1pm on Wednesday, a floral tribute simply spelling out "Daddy" was carried inside. Initially, it had been outside the entrance, placed alongside one in the shape of a bowling ball hitting some pins—a touching tribute to the 31-year-old's love for the game.
READ MORE: Celebrity mourners at Liam Payne's funeral - 1D stars, famous exes and music mogul
This heartbreaking tribute from his son Bear is now a poignant reminder of his father's legacy and the joy he brought into the world. The decision to hold the service in Amersham rather than in Liam's hometown of Wolverhampton was significant, reports the Mirror US.
The singer had bought a house in the nearby village of Chalfont St Giles in 2021, creating a sanctuary for Bear.
The home, nestled in a sought-after area popular with celebs, actors, and musicians, is just a stone's throw away from Cheryl's abode where she resides with their son. The locale had morphed into a serene haven for Liam in his later years, with mates revealing it offered a peaceful escape from his high-octane lifestyle.
However, on Wednesday, it served as the setting for the multitude of stars who flocked to Liam's funeral. For those who cherished him, the historic church was an apt venue for his final farewell, underscoring that home is often less about location and more about where the heart finds solace.
Among the bereaved were Liam's ex-bandmates - Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik - who reunited once again, this time bound by sorrow rather than song. The group, whose camaraderie was cemented through years of touring and life under the limelight, stood in silent unity, honouring their mate and fellow band member.
Simon Cowell, the man behind the band's rise to fame via The X Factor, was also present. His countenance, marked by grief, softened momentarily as he embraced Liam's parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, extending his condolences and support.
The deeply touching moment highlighted the close bond Simon Cowell had with Liam and his family over the years. The Britain's Got Talent judge was accompanied by his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, and a host of celebrities including DJ Scott Mills, TV presenter James Corden, and Marvin and Rochelle Hulmes.
Their attendance underlined Liam's significant influence in the entertainment industry and the personal relationships he had cultivated throughout his career. Liam's 25-year-old girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, was also present.
She had been with Liam in Argentina but had returned to their Florida home just days before his tragic accident. Surprisingly, broadcaster Adrian Chiles and footballer Robbie Keane were among the mourners.
Both had developed unexpected friendships with Liam, with Chiles reportedly bonding over West Bromwich Albion and Keane through Liam's charity work with Soccer Aid. The funeral was simple yet dignified, mirroring Liam and his family's humility and down-to-earth nature despite his celebrity status.
His body arrived for the 45-minute service at 1.15pm in a glass carriage drawn by two white horses. His dark blue casket with silver handles was adorned with white roses.
Two additional floral tributes were displayed atop the carriage, one reading 'Son' and the other 'Liam'. Some mourners arrived at the private service with Batman stickers on their car windscreens, a subtle tribute to his fondness for the superhero.
The emblem was a black bat against a white backdrop. The order of service handed out to attendees featured two monochrome images of Liam - one on the front and one on the back.
It requested that any donations in his memory be made to Great Ormond Street Hospital - a touching nod from the star who spent his final weeks contributing to fundraisers for ill children. The booklet read, "Thank you for attending the service and for all the kind messages received. Liam would like you to make a donation. In memory of Liam, we'd like you to consider Great Ormond Street Hospital."
As the service commenced, a hush fell over the crowd. Family members and close friends shared words, many reminiscing about Liam's warmth, humour, and musical talent.
Liam's father, Geoff, stood quietly, honouring the vow he made when he travelled to Buenos Aires to not leave his son until he brought him home.
Tragedy struck when Liam, who had been under the influence of drink and drugs, fell to his death from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Palmer on October 16. The events surrounding his passing have recently taken a darker turn, with accusations of abandonment and facilitating drug supply being made against those who spent his final hours with him.
Among those absent from the funeral was Rogelio "Roger" Nores, a friend who had been with Liam prior to his death. Sources claimed Nores was not welcomed by the family, fueling speculations regarding his interactions with Liam during his last hours.
Fans patiently waited outside the church, many of whom carried flowers as they came to pay their respects. Helen McKnight (age 27) from nearby High Wycombe was at St Mary's paying her respects, she shared with the Mirror: "It is just still so sad.I felt compelled to be here as Liam and the boys brought me so much joy."
"I am still heartbroken; it has now turned to pain. I hope his family and his son are all ok."
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English (US) ·