New details revealed for Shane Warne's state funeral
Tributes have continued to pour in for cricketing legend Shane Warne as details of his state funeral begin to emerge.
Warne’s youngest daughter, Summer, took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute to her last moments with her dad, prompting responses from his ex-wife Elizabeth Hurley.
“Moments before the world took you away from me, we were jamming to Summer of 69 and I’ve Had The Time Of My Life,” Summer wrote.
“Talking about how much you loved that song and seeing your smile light up the whole room while we danced and couldn’t stop laughing at each other.
“Little did I know it was the last time I would ever see you dad 💗.”
Hurley responded to Summer’s post, writing: “I love you Summer. Your daddy worshipped you 💗.”
Summer replied: “Love u so much.”
Damien Hurley and Summer's brother Jackson also replied to her tribute with supportive messages.
“I love you Summer, I’m always going to be here for you 💗,” her brother wrote.
“I love you so much,” Damien commented.
It is expected Warnie will be farewelled at the MCG on Wednesday March 30, with a private family ceremony expected to be held at the end of next week.
Though detailed discussions have been held with the Melbourne Cricket Club, all plans are on hold until the cricketer’s body is repatriated.
As Thai authorities work through their official processes to release his remains, which they have fast-tracked, it is expected Warne’s body will be picked up on Wednesday.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is assisting the family of Shane Warne with the return of his body to Australia,” DFAT said in a statement.
“Owing to the family’s request for privacy, we will not be providing further comment.”
Though unauthorised to speak publicly, three sources with detailed knowledge of the plan for Warne’s memorial have confirmed that March 30 was the favoured date, per the Daily Telegraph.
Holding the service on March 29 was the subject of some discussions, but its clash with the federal budget would have prevented Prime Minister Scott Morrison and other senior Canberra figures from attending.
Family plans are also unconfirmed, though the end of next week was the early favoured option.
Eddie McGuire, who worked with Warne to create the Melbourne Stars, has been tipped to be the master of ceremonies at the state service, while a VIP guest list could include close friends of Warne such as singer Ed Sheeran.
Sheeran spoke to Warne in the days leading up to his death where they mourned the anniversary of music promoter Michael Gudinski’s passing.
“The world keeps taking incredible people away,” Sheeran said following Warne’s death.
He was granted an exemption from Australia’s tough border rules to attend Gudinski’s funeral, and has a break between gigs in the UK in which he could potentially attend Warne’s service.
However, a full list of speakers and confirmation of any musical acts is still to be confirmed.
Image: @ShaneWarne (Twitter)