What time is Bobby Charlton’s funeral? When it starts, Manchester procession route and arrangements explained
The public will have a chance to say their final goodbyes to Bobby Charlton, as his funeral procession travels through Manchester on Monday.
The Manchester United and England hero – a pillar of the Three Lions’ 1966 World Cup winning team – died last month aged 86 after a fall at his care home, where he was receiving care for dementia.
Tributes poured in following news of his passing, with David Beckham calling him a “national hero” and Gary Lineker saying he achieved “footballing immortality”.
What time is Bobby Charlton’s funeral?
A funeral service for Sir Bobby Charlton will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Monday 13 November at 2pm, Manchester United have announced.
The club said: “The ceremony will celebrate and pay tribute to Sir Bobby’s incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced.
“The procession to the Cathedral will pass by Old Trafford for a moment of reflection and provide an opportunity for fans to say a final farewell to a true Manchester United legend.”
Those coming to Old Trafford are advised to use the E2 car park and arrive at the East Stand forecourt from 1pm, with the funeral procession expected to pass in front of the Trinity Statue at 1.30pm.
The funeral cortege will then travel to Manchester Cathedral for the service, beginning at 2pm.
It is expected that up to 1,000 guests will attend a private ceremony in the cathedral to pay their respects, led by Canon Nigel Ashworth, with eulogies by family members and the football club.
It will not be broadcast or filmed.
Charity donations requested
The family have requested that instead of flowers, funeral-goers donate to one of four charities close to Sir Bobby’s heart: Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT), Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s UK.
Charlton was diagnosed with dementia and the announcement of his condition was made public in November 2020.
Almost a million people in the UK are living with dementia and it is the leading cause of death, according to the Alzheimer’s Research UK charity.
Alzheimer’s Research UK chief executive Hilary Evans said: “Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby Charlton’s family, and all those who loved him, following the tragic news that he has died with dementia.
“Sir Bobby was a hero and so many of us have great memories from his impressive career on the pitch.
“He will be greatly missed and we send his family our sympathies.
“It’s absolutely devastating that Sir Bobby’s final years were blighted by dementia, but unfortunately this is the case for almost one million people in the UK today.
“At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we are determined to change the ending for everyone affected by dementia by finding a cure, and the awful news about Sir Bobby highlights that we don’t have a moment to waste.”
