Paul O’Grady’s husband tearfully leads mourners as hundreds of fans bring their dogs for guard of honour at funeral

20 April 2023, 13:48 | Updated: 20 April 2023, 16:39

Paul O’Grady’s husband sat ahead of funeral cortege tearfully holding their dog.
Paul O’Grady’s husband sat ahead of funeral cortege tearfully holding their dog. Picture: Alamy

By Jenny Medlicott

Paul O'Grady's grief-stricken husband led the beloved entertainer's funeral cortege through the streets of Kent as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects.

Andre Portasio, Paul's partner of 17 years, made a tearful appearance in Aldington this afternoon as the funeral for Paul got under way.

Andre was visibly emotional as he was pictured sitting up front on a carriage bearing Paul's coffin while holding onto their dog.

His husband was was seen wiping his tears as he led the procession.
His husband was was seen wiping his tears as he led the procession. Picture: Alamy
Andre carried the pair's dog throughout the funeral procession.
Andre carried the pair's dog throughout the funeral procession. Picture: Alamy

Rescue dogs formed a guard of honour ahead of the procession and fans of the TV personality congregated around the cortege as it arrived, showing off their tributes and personalised farewells to Paul, who created beloved TV drag act Lily Savage.

School children, dogs and grieving fans lined the streets of Kent.

Alan Carr arrived to the procession to pay his respects.
Alan Carr arrived to the procession to pay his respects. Picture: Alamy
Jo Brand and Cheryl Fergison are also  amongst some of the celebrities to arrive for the funeral cortege.
Jo Brand and Cheryl Fergison are also amongst some of the celebrities to arrive for the funeral cortege. Picture: Alamy

Fans of the much loved comedian arrived in the surrounding areas of the popular comedian's home, the village of Aldington this afternoon – as well as other surrounding areas Birkenhead and Battersea.

Members of the public were invited to join family and friends of Mr O'Grady in a street procession ahead of a private funeral being held today.

School children have taken heartwarming posters dedicated to the popular comedian to the streets, decorated with handmade drawings of dogs printed on, as their own personal tribute to the national treasure.

Ronnie and Sally Wood make an appearance as the funeral processions begin.
Ronnie and Sally Wood make an appearance as the funeral processions begin. Picture: Alamy
Hundreds of members of the public arrived to the procession to pay their respects.
Hundreds of members of the public arrived to the procession to pay their respects. Picture: Getty images

The co-headteacher of Aldington Primary School said Mr O’Grady would often show up to fetes at the school.

"He would not just turn up and then go, he would stay and chat to the children. Everyone who met him would say what you see on the screen is what you see in real life. He was a larger-than-life character who lit up a room.

"As a community, we took him into our hearts and he took us into his."

Fans of the late TV star have shown up with their own tributes ahead of the funeral.
Fans of the late TV star have shown up with their own tributes ahead of the funeral. Picture: Alamy
Tearful fans have dedicated their appearance to Paul O'Grady's adoration of dogs at the street event.
Tearful fans have dedicated their appearance to Paul O'Grady's adoration of dogs at the street event. Picture: Alamy

Others have arrived to the procession with posters displaying the late comedian alongside their own farewell messages.

A tribute will be formed of dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home during the street procession, the home where he filmed his series For the Love of Dogs.

Many people have also shown up to the event accompanied by their pet dogs, which Mr O'Grady was known for loving.

A 'guard of honour' by dogs is to be set up at the event.
A 'guard of honour' by dogs is to be set up at the event. Picture: Alamy
School children have created their own personal tributes to Mr O'Grady.
School children have created their own personal tributes to Mr O'Grady. Picture: Alamy

The TV presenter unexpectedly passed away last month, aged 67, due to sudden cardiac arrhythmia.

More than £270,000 has been raised as a “tribute fund” for the 67-year-old's passing.

Mr O’Grady’s funeral is scheduled to take place at 3pm today.

Actor and peer of Mr O’Grady, Michael Cashman, said of the event: "My heart will be grieving, but I'll be smiling about the love and the fun."

The presenter was known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, as well as For the Love of Dogs and other shows.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has called for more British apprenticeships

UK must become 'less dependent' on foreign workers by training more British apprentices, minister warns LBC

Labour has deported nearly 19,000 people since coming to power

Inside Labour's deportation flights, as 19,000 illegal migrants removed from UK since July election

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

'No exceptions, no exemptions': Trump brings in 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium as UK dragged into trade war

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

'All hell will break out': Trump says Gaza ceasefire 'should be axed' if Hamas doesn't free all hostages on Saturday

Kim Leadbeater after the bill passed its first reading in November

Assisted dying cases could go ahead without judge's approval

Kanye West

Kanye West slammed for Super Bowl advert directing viewers to site selling swastika t-shirts

Matar is accused of trying to murder Salman Rushdie

Man accused of trying to murder Salman Rushdie says 'Free Palestine' as he is led into court

Legendary strongman Geoff Capes left nearly £240,000 in his will

Legendary strongman and Olympian Geoff Capes leaves £240k in will following death aged 75

The scene in Coulter Road, Hammersmith, west London, following the death of a woman in a flat

Woman, 36, found dead after man seen trying to force his way into flat in west London

Quinn Parker

'Inhumane' NHS trust admits maternity failings as three babies die within months of each other

The Aesculapian snake can grow up to two metres in length

Europe's biggest snake 'thriving' in UK and living in people's attics, study finds

The Aurora Borealis, Or Northern Lights, Visible From Large Swath Of North America

Northern Lights to be visible across parts of UK tonight

Zhenhao Zou is accused of rape

Woman among 10 allegedly raped by Chinese PhD student in London left “angry and ashamed” after attack, court told

London, UK. 28th January, 2025. Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Alamy Live News

Labour spat as peer brands attorney general Lord Hermer 'arrogant, progressive fool' and calls for him to quit

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, complained of 'unwelcome behaviour' from 'psychotic and possessive' boss before taking her own life

Watch the rousing Super Bowl ad directed by Michael Bay on behalf of the Secret Service

US Secret Service spends millions on recruitment film from Hollywood director Michael Bay