The world was left in shock following the tragic death of Liam Payne, with fans globally mourning the devastating loss. However, his funeral was a private event attended by those closest to him.
The One Direction star, who passed away last month at the tender age of 31, was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 20, in the Home Counties. Among the mourners were former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.
Liam’s heartbroken girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, was also present at the private service, as was Girls Aloud icon Cheryl, the mother of his seven year old son Bear. While specifics of the service remained confidential, some details have surfaced, including Cheryl’s special role in the ceremony and alleged “tension” between the 1D bandmates, who reunited for the first time in nine years.
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According to Mail Online, there was tension among the four remaining band members as they bid their personal farewells to Liam. Harry, 30, was the first to arrive, accompanied by actor James Corden.
Niall, 31, arrived with his girlfriend Amelia Woolley. Zayn, 31, and Louis, 32, believed to have stayed closest to Liam post-One Direction’s indefinite hiatus, were seen engaged in conversation, reports the Mirror.
Harry exited the service with James, while Zayn made a solo departure. Niall was seen leaving with Amelia, clutching an order of service.
Zayn Malik attends the funeral for Liam (
WireImage)
A source confided to the Mail: “It is absolutely tragic that the band had to come back together at a funeral for one of their own. They were once so close, but like in any group, fallouts happen, people change, and there are often thousands of miles between them. But they all wanted to be there for their old friend.”
“They have been devastated by Liam’s death. They were like brothers for their most formative years and shared so much history together. But coming face to face at such a tragic event must have been very difficult indeed.”
Cheryl’s important role is underscored as she reportedly took part in planning the ceremony alongside Liam’s bereaved parents, Geoff and Karen. The former X Factor judge has also made a promise to ensure that little Bear always remembers his renowned dad.
A person close to Liam’s family described Cheryl as “devastated,” adding: “She 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.”
Bear’s floral ‘Daddy’ tribute to his late father (
PA)
Cheryl has been navigating a world of heartache since her ex Liam, with whom she shares her son Bear, tragically passed away. Despite their split after Bear’s first birthday, the couple maintained a friendly relationship, with Liam even relocating closer to Cheryl and their child.
In the wake of his untimely death, Cheryl released a poignant statement: “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 mourned Liam as more than a celebrity, emphasizing his roles as “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.”
She expressed deep concern for Bear’s future exposure to the media frenzy surrounding his father’s death: “What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.”
Cheryl is thought to have helped plan the funeral (
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Cheryl pleaded for sensitivity and respect: “I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl.”
Liam’s life came to a tragic end on October 16 when he fell from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, leaving behind a poignant reminder of his connection to Bear.
Liam’s funeral service was held in a location that held a special significance for him. Loved ones congregated at St Mary’s church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, which is just a short distance from where he once lived with Cheryl and their son Bear during the early stages of their relationship.