1D reunite at Liam Payne's funeral for the first time in 9yrs as Harry, Louis, Niall and Zayn join mourners
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan were pictured arriving at Liam Payne's funeral today at a church in the Home Counties. It marked the first time in nine years that the One Direction stars have reunited as they mourn the loss of their bandmate.
Liam, who rose to fame on the X Factor in 2010 with One Direction, sadly died on Wednesday, 16 October after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A private service took place in the Home Counties on Wednesday, 20 November, with the star's nearest and dearest gathering to remember him.
Pop star Harry, 30, was seen arriving along with Louis, 32, and Niall, 31. Meanwhile, Zayn, 31, was seen standing with other mourners outside the church. The foursome all dressed in black suits and sported sunglasses as they joined Liam's loved ones.
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The four singers shared a joint statement after news of Liam's death broke last month. In a statement signed "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry", Liam's One Direction bandmates said: "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."
Each of the singers then took to their own personal social media pages to pay tribute to Liam. In a heartbreaking post, Louis called his late friend a "positive, funny and kind soul" and sadly said he'd "lost a brother".
His tribute also included a message to Liam's young son Bear. Louis said: "I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X".
Harry told fans he is "truly devastated" by Liam's death, also adding: "I will miss him always, my lovely friend. My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did."
Elsewhere, Zayn also issued a lengthy tribute to Liam on Instagram. He signed off emotional message by saying: "I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace A and you know how loved you are. Love you bro."
Niall told fans he "just doesn't feel real" to have lost Liam and shared a photograph of the pair together during their One Direction days. He also added: "I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking."
