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DAD'S PROBE PAIN

George Michael’s family ‘devastated’ investigation into star’s death is delaying traditional swift Greek Orthodox burial

Kenny Goss will be involved in the ceremony in a public act of acceptance for George's homosexuality

GEORGE Michael’s dad Kyriacos Panayiotou is “devastated” that a police probe is delaying a traditional swift Greek Orthodox burial.

A friend said: “He has chosen all the funeral details and pall bearers ­­— some are coming from Cyprus.

 George Michael with his dad Kyriacos Panayiotou and mum Lesley Angold Panayiotou
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George Michael with his dad Kyriacos Panayiotou and mum Lesley Angold PanayiotouCredit: Alpha Press
 George's burial is being delayed by the police investigation
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George's burial is being delayed by the police investigationCredit: PA:Press Association

“But it cannot go ahead until the body is released. That is a real source of pain for the family.”

The pal said Kyriacos will include his son’s ex Kenny Goss in a “public acceptance” of the star being gay.

And another family friend claimed that their pain increases with each day that passes.

 Kenny Goss is invited to the funeral
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Kenny Goss is invited to the funeralCredit: PA:Press Association

They said: “Kyriacos is devastated and has been comforted by the priest and his closest family. He’s in shock and no one has seen or spoken to him."

The source went on: “George was a hero for our community, and the Greek radio stations are expected to play the funeral in its entirety.

“We are all waiting for the word and will be lining the streets to pay our respects.

“There are not many of us and certainly not many who have made their mark across the globe in the way that he did, so we hail him for that.

“It is not acceptable in our community to be homosexual and so that was very hard for George’s father, but we accepted George as he was.”

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