In a solemn gathering marked by profound grief, family, friends, and fans came together to lay One Direction star Liam Payne to rest.
It was a day of overwhelming sorrow for mourners invited to the private ceremony, which included the singer’s former girlfriend and mother of his seven-year-old son, Cheryl Tweedy.
The former Girls Aloud singer was supported at the service by her former bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, who were among the first to arrive in a show of unity.
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As mourners entered the church just before 1pm 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 in a touching nod to the 31-year-old’s passion for the game.
It was a heartbreaking tribute from his son Bear, now the embodiment of his father’s legacy, and a poignant reminder of the love and joy the singer had brought into the world.
The choice to hold the service here in Amersham rather than in Liam’s hometown of Wolverhampton was a poignant one.
The singer lived in the nearby small Buckinghamshire village of Chalfont St Giles after buying a house there in 2021 to be close to and provide a sanctuary for Bear.
His ex-girlfriend Cheryl attended his memorial (
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
The home, in a highly desirable area for celebrities, actors, and musicians, is barely two miles from Cheryl’s, where she lives with their son. The area had become a special place in Liam’s later years, with pals saying it had become a tranquil retreat away from the fast-paced life he had led.
But on Wednesday, it provided the backdrop to the raft of stars who attended Liam’s funeral. For those who loved him, the historic church was a fitting place for his funeral, a reminder that home is often not a place but where the heart resides.
Among the mourners were Liam’s former bandmates – Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik – who came together once more, only this time united in grief, not music. The group, whose bond had been forged through years of touring and life in the spotlight, stood in quiet solidarity, to pay tribute to their friend and bandmate.
Simon Cowell, who had launched the band’s career through The X Factor, was also in attendance. His face, etched with sorrow, softened briefly as he embraced Liam’s parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, offering his comfort and support.
It was a profoundly moving moment that spoke volumes about the closeness Cowell had shared with Liam and his family over the years. The Britain’s Got Talent judge was joined by his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, and other celebrities, including DJ Scott Mills, television presenter James Corden, and Marvin and Rochelle Hulmes. Their presence underscored Liam’s far-reaching impact on the entertainment world and the personal connections he had built throughout his career.
Liam died at the age of 31 last month (
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Liam’s 25-year-old girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, was also in attendance. Accompanied to the service by Damien Hurley, Kate had been with Liam in Argentina but had left just days before his tragic fall to return to their home in Florida. Two unexpected attendees among the mourners were broadcaster Adrian Chiles and footballer Robbie Keane.
Both had forged unlikely friendships with Liam in recent years, with Chiles reportedly sharing a mutual for West Bromwich Albion and Keane connected through Liam’s charity work with Soccer Aid.
The funeral was simple yet dignified, reflecting Liam and his family’s humility and grounded nature despite his fame. His body arrived for the 45-minute service at 1.15pm brought in a glass carriage pulled by two white horses. His casket was dark blue with silver handles and topped with white roses.
Adorned on top of the carriage were two more floral tributes, one which read ‘Son’ and the other ‘Liam’. Some grieving family and friends arrived at the private service with Batman stickers on their windscreens in a subtle nod to his love of the superhero. It showed the logo of the black bat on a white background.
On the orders of service handed to guests were two black and white pictures of Liam – one on the front and one on the back.
It asked mourners to give any donations in his honour to Great Ormond Street Hospital – a fitting gesture from the star known to have spent his final weeks donating to fundraisers for sick children.
Niall Horan attended Liam Payne’s funeral today (
(Image: Getty))
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.” It also included a link to the foundation’s page. As the service began, a stillness settled over the crowd.
Family members and close friends shared words, many recalling Liam’s warmth, humor, and gift for music. Liam’s father, Geoff, stood silently, fulfilling the promise he made when he flew to Buenos Aires not to leave his son until he brought him home.
It was there that Liam tragically fell to his death from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Palmer on October 16 while under the influence of drink and drugs. Recent weeks have seen the case take a darker turn, with allegations of abandonment and complicity in drug supply being explored against individuals who were with Liam in his final hours.
One notable absence from the funeral was Rogelio “Roger” Nores, a friend of Liam’s who was with him in the hours before his death. Sources claimed Nores was not welcome by the family, and his absence at the funeral has fuelled speculation around his time with Liam.
Harry Styles arrives at the funeral of Liam Payne, at a church in the Home Counties on