Final preparations for Liam Payne's funeral underway as family arrange beautiful send off

Final preparations are being made for the funeral of Liam Payne today in the Home Counties, following his tragic passing over a month ago in Argentina. The former One Direction star's loved ones will gather to mourn the 31 year old, who died after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16.

Since the incident, three individuals have been charged in relation to his death. Payne, who shot to fame on The X Factor as a young talent, suffered "serious injuries that were incompatible with life", and an investigation into the circumstances of his death is still active.

Two weeks prior, Liam's heartbroken father Geoff returned his son's body to the UK to allow for a proper farewell, and today marks the day when family and friends will bid their last respects to the cherished singer, who was also a beloved brother, son, father, and friend. A private funeral service will take place in the Home Counties, attended by his nearest and dearest, followed by a wake.

His former bandmates from One Direction, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, are all expected to be present at the ceremony, along with his grief-stricken girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. Cheryl, mother to Payne's seven year old son Bear, is also anticipated to join the funeral proceedings today.

Ahead of the service, the church has seen an exquisite display of flower arrangements positioned by its entrance. From the early hours of this morning, arrangements including white roses and seasonal greenery adorned the archway leading into the church, complementing the trail of candles that lined the path for the mourners expected later in the day, reports the Mirror.

A source confided to The Sun about the family's efforts for a heartfelt farewell: "His family have gone to great lengths to put together the perfect service and give him the send off he deserves. Liam may have been a global superstar but to Geoff and Karen he will always be their little boy. It is going to be an incredibly difficult day."

Today, Liam will be laid to rest in a private ceremony held in one of the Home Counties—those counties encircling London—away from public view. Although speculation initially pointed to a location near Liam's childhood home in Wolverhampton, this was not to be the case.

The funeral will see the presence of Liam’s former One Direction bandmates and Simon Cowell among other mourners. The band expressed their collective heartbreak last month, saying: "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."

In a saddening turn of events, Liam's funeral will mark the first time that the former One Direction bandmates have come together in nine years.