Paul O’Grady’s funeral to feature guard of honour by dogs from his beloved Battersea rescue centre | Ents & Arts News

Canine from Battersea Canine & Cats residence will kind a guard of honour as a part of a non-public funeral service for Paul O’Grady in Kent.

O’Grady, who rose to fame along with his drag alter-ego Lily Savage earlier than occurring to host plenty of widespread tv and radio exhibits, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at his residence on 28 March on the age of 67.

His funeral will happen on Thursday, and can see plenty of canine kind the guard of honour in a particular nod to his in depth work with the well-known rescue centre, for which he was an envoy. He rehomed 5 canine from there whereas he filmed his award-winning present Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Canine.

Greater than £270,000 has been raised for the charity since O’Grady’s demise.

The Salvation Military can be anticipated to play throughout the service.

Details of his funeral procession had been revealed earlier within the week by his husband Andre Portasio, who stated he was grateful for the “overwhelming outpouring of assist and love I’ve obtained because the passing of our beloved Paul O’Grady”.

“Your sort messages, stunning flowers, and considerate texts of condolences have introduced me consolation and solace throughout this tough time.”

He revealed the funeral could be a non-public ceremony, however added that the TV star “cared rather a lot about his local people” and, subsequently, a funeral procession will cross via Aldington earlier than heading to the church “as a method of marking Paul’s affection for the realm”.

Residents are invited to face on Forge Hill or New Highway Hill between 2.10pm and a couple of.45pm, though Mr Portasio requested them to “respect the villagers and the native space”.

Learn extra:
Unexpected details from life of Paul O’Grady
Paul O’Grady’s life in pictures
Queen Consort leads tributes to Paul O’Grady

O’Grady lived in Aldington, close to Ashford, for greater than 20 years and was a well known face within the village.

In accordance with native media, he attended summer season fetes, supported the first college and final 12 months judged a neighborhood canine present held on the village inexperienced.

He married Mr Portasio, a former skilled dancer, in 2017.