There was only so much room 'up front', and Michael had his wife and children there, too. He's tall, he could see what was going on up front, and I'm sure if Nancy had faltered, Ron and Patti wanted to be at her right hand to give her strength. Merv Griffin is one of their oldest and dearest friends. He's an honorary pallbearer...and all through this, he stood to one side or at the back. They were talking...the press...about how the cathedral would only hold 4000 people, and congress and heads of state too up 3000 seats, so Nancy and family could only invite 1000 people. And I'm sure many, many more wanted to come and can't be accomodated.
I am sorry to have to say this, but the greatest of men (or women) don't always enjoy the greatest of families. Very few do.
Merv Griffin, the Hollywood powerhouse, was a staunch supporter and pallbearer but is not family. He was seated where he should have been.