The world said a tearful farewell to dog ambassador and comedian Paul O’Grady this week as his funeral took place near his home in England.
His husband of 16-years, Andre Portasio, cuddled one of their beloved dogs, Conchita, as he rode the horse-drawn carriage carrying the late TV star’s coffin.
Andre Portasio held the little Maltese as they made their way through the adoring crowd in the Kent village where he lived in a horse-drawn carriage.
Read more: Read more: Stolen Derry puppy found dead 147 miles from home
Reverend Canon Roger Martin welcomed family and friends including comedian Julian Clary, actress Dame Sheila Hancock, the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell, and EastEnders actor Scott Maslen.
And hundreds of friends, fans and neighbours lined the road, many of them with their dogs by their side.
The Salvation Army Band played songs such as Tomorrow from the musical Annie – in which O’Grady was starring in a touring production at the time of his death.
Among the arrivals was Paul’s daughter Sharyn Mousley who attended with a young man holding the wig of Lily Savage, her father’s drag alter ego.
Paul’s coffin was adorned with a wreath of simple lilies, and alongside was a flower bouquet in the shape of his best friend and most beloved dog, Buster, who passed away in recent years.
The flower display which featured a gold collar with Buster’s name engraved on it, was placed on top of Paul’s coffin.
TV star Paul, who was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, is being laid to rest in Aldington, Kent, with a guard of honour from the charity.
- Man and dog die as owner tries to retrieve ball from lake
- Pregnant pup dumped on A1 dual carriageway is ready for new home
- All the Presidents' dogs in words and pictures
- Doggie foster families desperately needed across NI
- Hero Hollie saves family from tumble drier fire in home
To get the latest dog news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter
