Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to England great Sir Bobby Charlton today, including Prince William, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Gareth Southgate. 

Superstars from all over the world gathered to honor Manchester United legend and 1966 World Cup winner Sir Bobby, 86, who was dubbed a “national hero.”

United stalwarts Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and Steve Bruce were among those present during this afternoon’s poignant farewell. 

Following Sir Bobby’s passing last month, current squad players Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Tom Heaton joined mourners for the celebration of his incredible life.  

Uefa head Aleksander eferin, ex-England striker and BBC broadcaster Gary Lineker, former United player Michael Carrick, and Everton defender Ashley Young were among those who attended this afternoon’s burial in Manchester. 

Hundreds of fans gathered in Cathedral Yard, the small plaza outside Manchester Cathedral, to await Sir Bobby’s cortege.

The bells pealed as the hearse approached, followed by cheers from the audience, then profound silence. Lady Norma, Sir Bobby’s widow, followed as pallbearers carried his coffin inside the cathedral, where 1,000 visitors included FA President Prince William and United luminaries such as Brian Kidd and Alex Stepney, who were colleagues in the 1968 European Cup-winning side.