Funeral celebrant Martin Ellis said it was "important to mark a person's life" even where there were no attendees
To prepare for today, he has spoken to Charles' wife, who has long been separated from him, is in her 90s and suffering from the effects of dementia, as well as staff at the care home. The reason he is having a public health funeral is because he did not have enough money to cover the costs and was estranged from his family."We might not have many tales about the person's life, we might not know much about them, but we still... put together a dignified and respectful service," says Mr Ellis.Instead, Mr Ellis addresses the funeral director, the pallbearers and the council officer who arranges them.BBC/Amy Walker"It's obviously very difficult.