George Michael is laid to rest at private funeral

In a statement released on Wednesday, his family thanked fans from across the world for their messages of love and support.

The former Wham! star died in December last year at the age of 53.

His body was found by his former partner, hairdresser Fadi Fawaz at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.

Fawaz has faced a wave of criticism since Michael's death, including rumours that he had been banned from attending his former lover's funeral.

He recently denied the reports.

Special tributes have been made to the Careless Whisper singer throughout this year's awards season.

His former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley made an emotional speech at the Brits in February, describing Michael as a "supernova", saying his death "felt like the sky had fallen in".

On the night Fawaz tweeted: "Anyone (who) doubted my love to George will be apologising very soon. It's a fact."