Inside Sir Michael Parkinson’s ‘intimate’ funeral attended by just 90 people

Sir Michael Parkinson has been laid to rest in a private funeral attended by 90 close friends and family members.

The legendary broadcaster, a coal miner’s son from Barnsley, died at the age of 88 last month due to “frailty of old age”.

Referred to as “Parky” by his friends and fans, he was known for his intimate interview style which saw him sit down with some of the biggest stars on the planet such as Sir Elton John, Muhammad Ali and Dame Helen Mirren, on his chat show Parkinson.

Sir Michael’s service was held at St Michael’s Church in Bray, Berkshire, with music by his favourite singer, Frank Sinatra, playing in the background.

A cricket cap was placed on his coffin alongside a red and white Barnsley FC scarf.

Barnsley’s Grimethorpe Colliery Band played the theme from his TV chat show, while his sons Michael Jr and Andrew paid tributes to their father.

Mourners then headed back his local, The Hind’s Head pub, which was guarded by two bouncers, to give him a farewell toast, reported The Sun.

A source told the outlet the send-off was “perfect” and that “everyone was in good spirits”.

“It was a very dignified send-off for a man who remained understated and classy to the end,” they said.