30 October 2023 , 20:00
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The world of football will pay tribute to one its greatest sons at the funeral service for Sir Bobby Charlton.
A celebration of his life and unparalleled career is due to take place on Monday, November 13 at Manchester Cathedral. Thousands of fans are expected to take to the streets to say one last farewell to the Ashington-born miner’s son lauded as the finest player this country has ever produced.
A private ceremony will be held for his close family, including widow Lady Norma and their two daughters Andrea and Suzanne. The Cathedral service will be attended by a host of Manchester United stars past and present.
Mourners are likely to include former team mate Sir Geoff Hurst, 81, the last surviving member of the 1966 England World Cup winning team. And the United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, also 81, will be among the congregation.
Sir Bobby's last surviving brother, Tommy Charlton, 77, is likely to join other family members at the private funeral ceremony. That is due to be held the day after the Cathedral service. Sir Bobby died on October 21, aged 86. His brother Jack, who died aged 85 in 2020, was also struck down by dementia late in life.
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Paying tribute to them both, Tommy told the Mirror: "If ever there was a place reserved in heaven, it is for Bob. He is going to be up there. He was world famous, world renowned, he was so loved.
"He and Jack were everybody's heroes, they were idols to other people. But to me, they were my brothers. That is where my heart is, with my brothers."
Manchester United paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before the derby on Sunday (Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)Jack and Bob fell out following the death of mum Cissie in 1996, when Jack's rift with Bob's wife Lady Norma became public. They were reconciled with a hug when Jack presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in 2008.
Lady Norma announced his death “with great sadness”, thanking “everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him”. Sir Bobby played 758 games for Manchester United between 1954 and 1973, scoring 249 goals and winning many of the game's glittering prizes, including the World Cup and European Cup.
The club hailed him as a hero to millions, “not just in Manchester, or the UK, but wherever football is played around the world'. It said that 'he was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer”.
"His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in our history,” added United. "His legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation."