Paul O'Grady's funeral had a huge turnout on Thursday, as the television icon was mourned by the masses at his hometown in Birkenhead and home in Adlington, Kent. The popular entertainer sadly passed away last month.
Family, friends and fans came from near and far to mark the 67-year-old's vibrant life. In heartbreaking images, Paul's beloved husband Andre Portasio, whom he had been married to for six years, clutched their Maltese pooch Conchita as he sat on a horse-drawn carriage as part of the funeral cortege.
Among the personal touches to the funeral procession on Thursday today was a lovable tribute to his late dog Buster, who fans will be familiar with from appearing alongside him on his chat show, the Mirror reports. His fluffy best pal tragically had to be put down in 2009, and flowers spelling Buster's name and a depiction of the dog sat by the coffin.
In another heartfelt moment, Paul's daughter Sharyn Mousley entered the church with her son holding the wig of Lily Savage – her father’s drag alter ego. And pallbearers carried the wooden coffin decorated with a wreath of lilies, while
A total of nine limousines followed with a cortege behind the hearse. Motorbikes came behind them as they passed through his home village of Aldington to St Rumwold’s Church in nearby Bonnington, Kent.
Reverend Canon Roger Martin welcomed family and friends including comedian Julian Clary, actress Dame Sheila Hancock, and the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell.
The Salvation Army Band played songs such as Tomorrow from the musical Annie, in which the late Paul O’Grady was starring in a touring production at the time of his tragically unexpected death last month.
The service opened with the sound of trumpets before You Gotta Get A Gimmick from the 1959 musical Gypsy, featuring lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, played.
Paul had given a memorable risque performance of the song in character as Lily Savage alongside Cilla Black and Dame Barbara Windsor at the 2001 Royal Variety Performance. After the commendation came to the closing music – Looking For Trouble by Elvis Presley.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home paid tribute to Paul O’Grady, who was an ambassador for the cause, with a canine guard of honour at his funeral describing the late showbiz star as the “beating heart” of the animal charity.
Those mourning the TV star were greeted by a dog called Ernie at the private service, who had met Paul previously and his friend, the Queen Consort.
In a touching addition, a trio of rescue puppies from the centre were also there at the service to meet friends and relatives arriving at St Rumwold’s Parish Church in the Kent village of Bonnington.
Paul O'Grady became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012 after the success of ITV ’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, 11 series of which were filmed at the home. After his death, the charity set up a “tribute fund” which has so far raised more than £270,000.
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