Paul McCartneyPaul McCartney chose a low-key family barbeque to celebrate his 64th birthday yesterday rather than the previously planning lavish party.

A source the party plans were cancelled since “Sir Paul could not face a big party with so much turmoil in his life.”

Instead, Paul spent the day with his five children, including baby daughter Beatrice, and brother Mike. Estranged wife Heather Mills was not in attendance but called with birthday greetings.

A source close to Heather revealed: “It was a gesture Heather felt she had to make to wish her husband a happy birthday and to tell him to enjoy Father’s Day, even if it was impossible for her to be there.”

“There was no way she was going to be there unless the family all agreed. Paul’s daughters, especially Stella, had made their feelings clear and Heather didn’t want to rock the boat on Father’s Day.”

“It was hard for her and she was very sorry not to see Bea with her father on his special birthday.”