George Michael's Funeral Held In Private

LONDON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Mar, 2017 ) - George Michael's funeral took place in private on Wednesday, three months after his shock death at the age of 53, the legendary British pop star's publicist said.

The singer was found dead at his home on Christmas Day, but it was not until the coroner's ruling earlier this month -- that he died of natural causes -- that he could be laid to rest. "Family and close friends gathered for the small, private ceremony to say goodbye to their beloved son, brother and friend," his spokesman said.

"George Michael's family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support." The ceremony took place at Highgate Cemetery in the singer's native north London, newspapers reported.

His partner Fadi Fawaz, as well as Andrew Ridgeley, the other half of his pop duo Wham!, and Martin Kemp of 1980s new wave band Spandau Ballet were pictured attending.

The Daily Mail said it was understood that Michael would be buried alongside his mother.

The cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, according to Darren Salter, senior coroner for Oxfordshire, northwest of London. Fawaz said he had found the star, who enjoyed a 35-year career punctuated by years of drug-taking, "lying peacefully" in bed at his home in the village of Goring on the River Thames on December 25.

Dilated cardiomyopathy, which can be caused by substance abuse, affects the heart's ability to pump blood due to the muscle becoming enlarged and weakened. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart wall.