The strains of the song ‘If You Were the Only Girl in the World’ will ring out after Iris Freud’s warring children finally agreed on how she should be buried.
Mrs Freud died, aged 92, at West Middlesex University Hospital in October, and her body has been kept in storage as a “’biblical” High Court battle was waged over her funeral.
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Daughter Susanna Levrant was adamant that the service should include secular songs, including the 1916 classic which was a favourite with troops in the trenches.
However, her brother, David Freud, argued the service should be a more sombre affair in line with his and their deceased father’s Jewish faith.
Although he agreed the ceremony could be carried out by a Church of England vicar, he insisted that popular, non-religious, songs should not be heard.
Now, after two days in court, the siblings have each made concessions – following much prompting by Mr Justice Arnold.
Mrs Levrant, 66, said outside court that it had now been agreed that the ceremony will take place in two parts.
The first portion of the service will be solemnly traditional and Mr Freud and his family can leave after the burial if they wish.
However, Mrs Levrant and her supporters may then return to the chapel to sing ‘If You Were the Only Girl in the World’.
The funeral service, eulogy and burial will be conducted under the neutral auspices of the the Master of the Inner Temple Church, in central London.
