Paul O’Grady funeral – live: Mourners and dogs lined streets for Lily Savage star’s service in Kent
Andre Portasio, the comedian’s husband, invites residents to watch procession in O’Grady’s hometown of Aldington, Kent, before the private funeral service
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Paul O’Grady has ben laid to rest in a private ceremony featuring a special tribute from dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The TV icon, who rose to fame as his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage before going on to host a string of TV shows, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at home last month aged 67.
His funeral took place this afternoon and featured a guard of honour with dogs, in a special nod to O’Grady’s work as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2012. He rehomed five dogs while filming his ITV series Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
Local fans lined the streets to pay their respects as O’Grady’s coffin was led through his home town of Aldington in Kent. Stars in attendance at the funeral included Ronnie Wood, Alan Carr, Gaby Roslin, Jo Brand, and Julian Clary.
It comes after O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio posted in local Facebook groups inviting the local school and community to mourn the comedian, expressing his “deep gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love” he has received in the wake of his spouse’s death.
Those mourning Paul O’Grady are applauding the TV star’s procession in his home town, moments before his funeral begins.
Watch live as the funeral for entertainer Paul O’Grady takes place in Aldington, Kent.
Hundreds of mourners are lining the streets of the village the television icon from Birkenhead called home for more than 20 years.
Live: Paul O'Grady's funeral service takes place in Kent
Watch live as the funeral for beloved entertainer Paul O'Grady takes place in Aldington, Kent, on Thursday, 20 April.Mourners will line the streets of the vi...
Paul O’Grady’s fans are arriving to watch the TV star’s procession in Aldington.
Andre Portasio, the former ballet dancer who had a huge impact on ‘rogue’ Paul O’Grady
As Paul O’Grady’s family prepares to bid him his final farewell, we take a closer look at the relationship between him and his husband Andre Portasio.
Read more here:
Andre Portasio, the ballet dancer who had a huge impact on ‘rogue’ Paul O’Grady
The couple were married for six years
Fans pay tribute to Paul O’Grady on social media
Ahead of the funeral, fans of Paul O’Grady have taken to social media to pay their last respects to the late TV star.
What time does the funeral procession start?
The private funeral of Paul O’Grady will take place in Aldington, but memorials and other marks of respect to the late presenter have been planned in other parts of the country.
Here’s everything you need to know abot the funeral procession:
What time does Paul O’Grady’s funeral start, where is it and who’s attending?
Presenter is being buried in Kent village where he died last month
Linda Thorson explains why the late Queen adored Paul O’Grady
Linda Thorson said that the late Queen Elizabeth II adored Paul O’Grady, and was “very at ease” with him.
Canadian actor Thorson, 75, said that O’Grady had a unique connection with the late Queen.
Ellie Muir reports:
Linda Thorson explains why the late Queen adored Paul O’Grady
The late TV presenter and the late Queen met for tea and often exchanged jokes
Battersea Dogs to form guard of honour for funeral
Paul O’Grady’s funeral will feature a guard of honour with dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
The canine guard of honour is a special nod to O'Grady, who became an ambassador for the animal charity in 2012 and rehomed five dogs while filming his multiple award-winning ITV show Paul O'Grady: For The Love Of Dogs.
The procession leading to the private service is expected to carry O'Grady's coffin through his home town of Aldington in Kent, with local fans expected to gather along the streets to pay their respects and mourn the TV personality.
Animal lover Paul O’Grady toasted by campaigner ahead of funeral
Prominent animal welfare campaigner Dominic Dyer paid tribute to Paul O’Grady ahead of the late star’s funeral this afternoon.
O’Grady, who made a TV sidekick out of his dog Buster, was known for his love of animals and work with wildlife charities.
Dyer said O’Grady will receive “a wonderful send-off for a wonderful person” on a day that will include a special tribute from dogs of the Battersea Dogs and Cats home.
Wildlife park to host wake for Paul O’Grady
After O’Grady’s funeral in Aldington, a private wake is planned at Port Lympne Safari Park, three miles down the road.
The late star often judged animal competitions at the park. In a tribute after his death on 28 March, staff said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paul O’Grady - a local supporter of Port Lympne and the world we do.
“We were incredibly grateful to have him visit us.”
Port Lympne, is home to more than 900 rare and endangered animals on a 600 acre reserve.
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