The family of the late pop icon George Michael has confirmed that they have already held the singer’s funeral, thanking fans for their well-wishes but refusing to release details of the ceremony.

A statement released on behalf of the family on Wednesday (March 29th) read: “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 MichaelGeorge Michael's funeral has taken place, according to his family

“George Michael’s family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support. We ask that the family’s wish for privacy be respected so that they can continue to live their lives privately, away from any media intrusion. No further details will be released.”

However, the late star’s boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, was pictured arriving at Highgate Cemetery in north London a little after 2pm.

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Following his death on Christmas Day last year at the age of 53, Michael’s funeral had been delayed for a long time while the family waited for a coroner’s report to determine the cause of his death. It was finally confirmed back on March 7th that he had died of natural causes.

Since then, rumours of the location and time of Michael’s funeral had been a subject of keen speculation among fans, with some suggesting that it had already taken place in order to avoid media attention.

Late last week, Michael’s former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, as well as many fans, attacked a speculative documentary aired by Channel 5 titled ‘The Last Days of George Michael’ as “sensationalist and mucky”.

More: George Michael’s boyfriend Fadi Fawaz claims he’s been left out of funeral plans