One Direction star, Liam Payne, is being laid to rest today following his tragic death last month in Argentina, which left his legion of loyal fans around the world bereft

Liam Payne’s coffin has arrived at a church in the Home Counties for the star’s heartbreaking funeral.

The singer’s famous friends watched solemnly as a white horse drawn carriage arrived at St Mary’s church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, adorned with ‘Son’, spelled out in red flowers. On top of the carriage, there was also a white and blue floral tribute, which said: ‘Daddy’, in reference to the son, Bear, which Liam shares with Cheryl Tweedy.

A hush fell over the gathered crowd as Liam’s coffin arrived at the church, carried in a horse-drawn hearse, which was decorated with white roses and his name.

The atmosphere was heavy with grief, broken only by muffled sobs as his devoted family followed closely behind. Dressed in black, they clung to one another, their faces etched with sorrow but resolute in their love for Liam.

Liam Payne funeral updates: One Direction star’s coffin arrives by horse-drawn hearse

A hush fell over the gathered crowd as Liam coffin arrived at the church ( 
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Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

The pallbearers moved solemnly, lifting the casket as the church bell tolled mournfully. Fans and friends stood in silent tribute, some clutching photographs and flowers, their gazes fixed on the coffin.

Silence fell upon the crowd as Payne’s father Geoff and his mother Karen got out of the funeral car and stood behind the reverend, next to the carriage.

Other guests attending the funeral, included Liam’s girlfriend, US influencer Kate Cassidy, who arrived alongside Damian Hurley, the son of model Elizabeth Hurley. They were joined by the star’s One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan for the heartbreaking service.

The One Direction boys stood shoulder to shoulder as they paid their respects to Liam ( 
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AFP via Getty Images)

Girls Aloud singers Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh were dropped off in front of the entrance of St Mary’s Church in Amersham wearing long black coats and sunglasses. They were joined at the funeral by Simon Cowell, who first met Liam as a teenager when he appeared on the X Factor back in 2010 when One Direction was formed.

After an agonising wait for the One Direction star’s parents in Argentina, Liam was finally laid to rest today following his tragic death last month when he fell from the third floor of his hotel suite, aged 31.

Kate Cassidy, was one of the first to arrive for his funeral ( 
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Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Girls Aloud stars Nicola and Kimberley shared a hug outside the chapel ( 
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WireImage)

The final preparations for the singer’s funeral were underway this morning. White roses were placed at the entrance of the church as candles lit the path.

Dozens of locals and fans also gathered outside the church to pay their final respects to the former One Direction star. Liam’s devastated parents, Karen and Geoff Payne, arrived to say their final goodbye to their beloved son.

Harry Styles hung his head as he said his final goodbye to Liam ( 
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AFP via Getty Images)

James Corden hugs another mourner at the funeral ( 
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PA)

Among the crowd, embraces are exchanged, tears silently shared, and whispered memories passed between those gathered. Outside a floral tribute of bowling pins being knocked over by a ball has been placed outside in a nod to Liam’s much loved pastime.

While Harry, Zayn, Niall and Louis arrived at the entrance of St Marys Church, Liam’s former partner, Cheryl, preferred to arrive by a disguised entry at the back of the church as she headed in to pay her respects.

Cheryl looked devastated as she arrived at Liam’s funeral ( 
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Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Cheryl was in a relationship with Liam from 2016 until 2018 ( 
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WireImage)

However, the singer was spotted leaving the service dressed in a long black woollen coat and sunglasses. At the time of Liam’s death, Cheryl broke her social media silence to say she was facing an ‘indescribably painful time.’ Cheryl and Liam remained close after their break-up in 2018 as they continued to co-parent their son Bear.

Speaking after Liam’s death, Cheryl said she will “make sure” her son Bear knows all about his late father Liam. Cheryl, who was in a high-profile relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018, said in a statement on Instagram that their son has to “face the reality of never seeing his father again”.

Karen and Geoff Payne – parents of Liam, arrive at the funeral of their son ( 
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Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

One Direction star Harry Styles arrived at the funeral alongside James Corden as the pair prepared to say goodbye to Liam. Harry, 30, looked despondent as he walked with his hands in his coat pockets from his car to the church entrance. The singer wore a black suit and tie, a long black coat, and a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Louis was also pictured arriving at the funeral, as he too wore sunglasses as the sun shone down on the sorrowful day. Last month, Louis called Liam ‘his brother’ in a heartbreaking tribute after the news of his tragic death broke.

Harry and Liam grew up together in One Direction ( 
Image:
Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

Zayn Malik arrived to pay his respects to former bandmate, Liam ( 
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w8media)

Louis made a promise to Liam that he would look out for his son Bear, and told fans that he and Liam had been planning new music together before the 31-year-old’s sad passing.

He said he was “beyond devastated” to be writing the statement about his “brother”. In the devastating post, Louis stood up for Liam one last time.

The singer wrote: “And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”

A heartbreaking flower tribute to dad Liam Payne from his son, Bear ( 
Image:
PA)

Niall Horan was next to arrive as he chatted briefly with others who were waiting for Liam’s coffin to arrive at the church. Niall had also called Liam ‘his brother’ when he paid tribute to the One Direction star after his death on October 16. It wasn’t long before Zayn Malik then arrived to pay his respects to former bandmate, Liam.

Meanwhile, Gavin & Stacey star James, 46, greeted other mourners as he entered the church. This Morning star Rochelle Humes was also among those attending the funeral, alongside her husband and former X Factor star, Marvin Humes.

Gavin & Stacey star James, 46, greeted other mourners ( 
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Louis paid a beautiful tribute to Liam last month ( 
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PA)

Simon arrived at Liam’s funeral alongside his partner, Lauren Silverman. The music mogul helped Liam to global stardom when the teenager appeared on the X Factor in the hopes of becoming the next big popstar.

Simon decided that Liam would be best suited to a group, and so, One Direction was born in 2010, with Harry, Niall, Louis, and Zayn. When Liam’s death was first announced, the dad-of-one posted a heartfelt tribute on social media. It read: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

“Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you. This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.

Simon Cowell arrived with his partner, Lauren Silverman ( 
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WireImage)

Simon and Lauren joined the mourners ( 
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Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

“I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

It was thought that the singer’s funeral, which was attended by Liam’s legion of loved ones would take place in Wolverhampton. However, the star’s memorial in the city is overflowing with tributes as those in his hometown continue to mourn the loss of the One Direction star.

Liam’s best friend and former One Direction bandmate, Louis Tomlinson ( 
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AFP via Getty Images)

Tributes honouring Liam were “respectfully relocated” by the council earlier this month. A shrine of flowers, cards and a variety of tributes was moved from the city centre to West Park in the city in the West Midlands.

Sharing a photo on X – formerly Twitter – a fan shared pictures of the tribute, which is still full of vibrant flowers, letters, candles, balloons, teddies and photos to celebrate Liam’s life.

Robbie Keane arrives for the funeral service of One Direction singer Liam Payne ( 
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PA)

Louis Tomlinson looked as though he was fighting back tears ( 
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Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

The star’s One Direction bandmate, Zayn, made a heartbreaking gesture to Liam by cancelling his UK tour so he could pay his final respects to the much-loved father-of-one.

Zayn decided to cancel his UK tour – which had been due to start this week – so that he would be able to attend the funeral. The Dusk Till Dawn star told his fans last week that he was rescheduling two of his Edinburgh shows due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

The words ‘my son’ were arranged in beautiful flowers ( 
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

He informed fans that his November 20 show has now been changed to December 8 and another show of his Stairway To The Sky tour show on November 21, has been rescheduled to December 9. The A Whole New World singer had previously postponed the American leg of his tour following the devastating loss of his bandmate.

Days after the tragedy in October, which left Liam’s legion of fans around the world bereft, On Direction issued a joint statement mourning the passing of the singer.

Liam’s coffin ( 
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Getty Images)

They said: “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. 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.”

Harry embracing Liam’s dad, Geoff ( 
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Liam’s funeral has now drawn to a close, leaving mourners gathered outside the church in a deeply moving display of unity and support.

His former One Direction bandmates stood shoulder to shoulder, their grief clear, as they exchanged quiet words and comforting embraces.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell, his face still etched with sorrow, was seen consoling Liam’s friend and family. The star’s loved one lined the churchyard, their expressions a mix of sadness and gratitude for Liam’s impact on their lives.

Liam’s funeral has now drawn to a close before he will be laid to rest at a private service ( 
Image:
Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

Seen leaving the funeral, One Direction star, Louis, was pictured holding onto the order of service. In a final act of kindness from Liam, guests attending the service were thanked by the family for their kind message and asked to make a donation to Great Ormond Street Hospital. It comes after it was revealed last month that the singer spent his final nights donating to GoFundMe pages of sick children.

Liam will now will be laid to rest at a private funeral in the Home Counties where his family and closest friends will attend. His funeral will be followed by a wake to celebrate his life.