George Michael’s family planning ‘Mother’s Day memorial’ as singer is to be laid to rest next to his beloved mother in family’s private plot in Highgate Cemetery
GEORGE Michael's family are reportedly planning a Mother's Day memorial for the singer after he is laid to rest beside his beloved mother in the family's plot at Highgate Cemetery.
The Sun exclusively revealed that he would be buried next to his mother Lesley Panayiotou, who died from cancer in 1997, following his death on Christmas Day last year.
The plot has been cleaned and tidied in recent days and is now surrounded by pots of daffodils.
The grave site was pictured looking overgrown following his death but the area has since been cleared ahead of his burial.
George Michael’s last music will not be released posthumously, cousin Andros Georgiou has revealed
After an agonising two and a half month wait before the coroner released his body, George's family are now making preparations for his funeral, which could take place as soon as Monday at a church in Highgate, North London.
The star, who will be dressed in his favourite suit and shirt from his final tour, will then be buried next to his mum Lesley.
A source told the Sunday Mirror that it is "fitting" he should be buried next to his mum
The insider also revealed details about an extra memorial saying: "Lesley was George’s world so it is fitting that they should now be together.
“George would always make a big deal out of Mother’s Day. He loved her so much and he would spend a lot of time talking to her there.
“The cemetery has a very special place in his heart.”
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Meanwhile, his cousin Andros Georgiou exclusively told the Sun On Sunday how there won't be a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony which his family had been hoping for.
He explained: “For that to happen, he needed to be buried in a Greek Orthodox cemetery, and it was very clear in his wishes that he wanted to be with his mother.
“She - and his first love Anselmo Feleppa - were the real loves of his life.
“His family were disappointed, but they are relieved they can finally lay him to rest. I don’t believe you can really grieve until you have buried someone. I believe everything is ready for the funeral, but it is now about security.
“There are already fans lining up outside Highgate Cemetery, and much as he loved his fans, his family don’t want his funeral to turn into a circus.
“I would ask those fans to pay their respects by allowing them to bury him in peace.”
Meanwhile, Andros also told The Sun how George's lover Fadi Fawaz has "snubbed" the superstar's family since his tragic death.
The 43-year-old has made no attempt to get in touch with the singer’s dad and sisters, his cousin Andros Georgiou said.
And Andros, 54, believes the hairdresser — who he says was paid more than £10,000 a month to be by George’s side — will not be in his will.
Andros spoke days after an inquest ruled the Careless Whisper singer died of natural causes – but did not reveal if drink or drugs were in his body.
Coroner Darren Salter said he died from heart and liver problems.
But his short statement made no mention of the long-awaited results of a second toxicology test, after the first returned an “inconclusive” verdict.
And Andros — the chart-topper’s closest childhood friend — said results were withheld after his family begged the coroner to keep them private.
He went on: “George’s dad has read the results, but they are still too difficult for him to talk about. He is very upset, and just wants to lay his son to rest."
Andros — who was not biologically related to George but was called his “cousin” as they were so close — continued: “The news he died of natural causes was a relief."
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