Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, has died at the age of 31. He shot to stardom as a teenager and in over a decade as one of the biggest names in music, became involved in campaigns to support young people increase their own opportunities. It was work that brought him into contact with royalty.
[getty src=”458918080″ width=”594″ height=”488″ tld=”com”]Liam Payne was a member of one of the most popular groups in the world. During his time with One Direction and during his solo career, he had several brushes with the Royal Family. Alongside his bandmates, he met the then – Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Royal Variety Performance on 13 November 2014.
[getty src=”107211372″ width=”594″ height=”441″ tld=”com”]This was the first time the band attended the annual London performance which helps raise money for the Royal Variety Charity. The charity, of which King Charles III is a life patron, gives support to those who have professionally served in the entertainment industry but now find themselves elderly, impoverished, or sick.
The next year, coincidentally the same day One Direction’s final album, Made in the A.M. was released, the group met Prince Harry at the same event. Other stars in attendance included Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, and Ricky Martin.
[getty src=”803445396″ width=”594″ height=”407″ tld=”com”]Two years later, during his solo career, Liam Payne would meet the Late Queen Elizabeth II alongside Prince Harry at the Queen’s Young Leaders reception at Buckingham Palace. The event is to honour young leaders who have made a difference in their local communities. During this occasion, Liam attended without his bandmates. He had posted on social media following the encounter.
“An absolute honour to meet the Queen today on such a fantastic occasion. Privileged to share the room with such inspirational @queensyoungleaders, hear their stories and how they are helping to rebuild and preserve a sometimes broken world.”
[getty src=”931010950″ width=”594″ height=”387″ tld=”com”]A year later, Liam Payne would meet Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
Liam Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
