THE World was shocked on Christmas day 2016 when the news of George Michael's death broke.
The singer, who was 53, was adored by fans for his musical career, as well as his generosity and charity work. For many years though, his grave didn't have a headstone. Here, we find out why.
What is written on George Michael's headstone?
His birth name, Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, is inscribed on his headstone.
Underneath it says his date of birth and date of death, and the line "beloved son, brother, friend."
Similar messages can be read on the gravestones of his mother and sister.
Why was George Michael's grave unmarked?
Michael's grave was left unmarked until five years after his death.
READ MORE ON CELEBRITIES
George Michael’s late sister leaves just £6m despite inheriting bulk of fortune
I bought George Michael’s £19m pad – now I’m tearing it apart
The reason for this is that there were fears that his resting place would become a "Morbid tourist attraction."
The grave was kept bare as per request of his family, who didn't want it signposted at the time.
The Grammy award winner was laid to rest next to his mother on March 27, 2017.
There were suggestions that a lack of a headstone was disrespectful to Michael, and eventually one was put over his resting place in 2021.
Most read in The Sun
Stacey Solomon makes heartbreaking confession about marriage to Joe Swash
Kate Ferdinand is mum-shamed after sharing rare pic of Rio and the kids
Sis of woman shot dead pays tribute to 'rock' & pal begs ‘stop shooting’
Prince Andrew offers baffling tip to freezing crowd during Xmas walkabout
Former Wham bandmate Andrew Ridgely suggested that there should be a permanent public memorial in honour of Michael.
There was an unofficial memorial garden erected by fans outside his former home in Highgate in 2017, four years before his grave was given a headstone.
Where is George Michael's grave?
Michael's grave is in Highgate cemetery, North London.
He is buried next to the graves of his mother Leslie and sister Melanie.
Melanie died on Christmas Day 2019, exactly three years after the death of her brother.
The cemetery provides guided tours, although the singer's grave is not on it.
However, people on the tour can make requests to visit the grave if they wish.
Michael is not the only celebrity who have this gravesite as their final resting place.
Read More on The Sun
I made an amazing Boxing Day toastie in my air fryer with all my leftovers
I’m a money expert – the best savings accounts amid soaring interest rates
Actor Bob Hoskins is buried here after his death in 2014.
Other notable people that have ben buried at Highgate cemetery include Karl Marx and former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren.
Source: Read Full Article