George Michael's funeral: Singer laid to rest at private ceremony

George Michael's family and close friends have said goodbye to the singer during a small, private funeral.

The ceremony is believed to have been held at Highgate Cemetery, near the star's north London home, three months after his death in Oxfordshire.

Among the reported mourners were former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, Helen 'Pepsi' DeMacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, who sang with them as part of Pepsi and Shirlie, and ex-Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp.

Michael's former partner, hairdresser Fadi Fawaz, is also thought to have attended the service.

In a statement, the star's family thanked fans from across the world for their messages of love and support.

It said: "We can confirm that the funeral of the singer George Michael took place today.

"Family and close friends gathered for the small, private ceremony to say goodbye to their beloved son, brother and friend.

"George Michael's family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support."

Michael was found dead aged 53 by Fawaz at his home in Goring-on-Thames on Christmas Day.

Earlier this month, a coroner said he died of natural causes, as a result of heart disease and a fatty liver.

Tributes have been paid to the musician during this year's awards season.

Ridgeley made an emotional speech at February's Brits, describing Michael as a "supernova" and saying his death "felt like the sky had fallen in".

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Michael rose to stardom in Wham!, one of the most successful pop duos of the 1980s.

Their hits included Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Last Christmas and Club Tropicana.

Michael went on to have a successful solo career with hist including Faith, Jesus To A Child and Careless Whisper.