Elizabeth Taylor ‘fashionably late’ for own funeral

Elizabeth Taylor was laid to rest in style yesterday afternoon, having arrived fashionably late for her own funeral.

The actress and HIV campaigner died on Wednesday aged 79 and was buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery just outside Los Angeles.

She was 15 minutes late to the private ceremony – having stipulated before she died that she “wanted to be late for her own funeral”.

The star, who was mobbed by fans whenever she went out in Los Angeles, had a peaceful and dignified service with just a few dozen family members and close friends in attendance.

She had been suffering from a congestive heart condition for years. Her Jewish faith meant she was buried quickly.

The icon, who had a huge gay following, was laid to rest in the same mausoleum as her late friend Michael Jackson.

Her funeral was threatened by an appearance from the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church. However, no members of the controversial cult showed up.

Taylor, who dedicated her later years to HIV awareness, was hailed as an “extraordinary” gay rights ally yesterday.

Broadway is to dim its lights in her honour tonight.