Paul O'Grady's friend, actor, campaigner and political Michael Cashman recalled the moment the late star, who passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully" aged 67 on March 28, woke up in the Queen's bed after a wild party.
Speaking about his dear friend during ITV's one-off special For the Love of Paul O'Grady, Michael shared the hilarious encounter.
The EastEnders star began: "Mo Mowlam was the secretary of state for Northern Ireland and Mo had an idea that she wanted to celebrate what all the ordinary women and men of Northern Ireland had done to make a difference.
"Savage was encouraged to come over, the benefit was at the Royal Opera House and Mo said to me, 'Get [Lily Savage] back to Hillsborough Castle, we'll have a party.'"
The Labour politician joked the late performer "loved a party" and "off they went" to the castle for the celebration.
"It went on really late and when I woke in the morning there was this banging on my door, 'Mr Cashman, Mr Cashman, someone's sleeping in the Queen's bed!'"
The campaigner confirmed Paul had fallen asleep in the Queen's bed and questioned whether the performer "ever told her".
Elsewhere, Paul's loved ones detailed the performer's meetings with the Queen over the years including a cheeky encounter where the dog-lover suggested she adopt a rescue Corgi.
His friends revealed Paul put the Queen "at ease" over their shared love of animals and the performer's "sense of humour."
Fans of Paul were reduced to tears with the emotional tribute show as one tweeted: "Absolutely fully and completely in floods of tears at For The Love of Paul O’Grady, tears of laughter, tears of sadness, just tears. What a brilliant human he was, God I will miss him."
Another added: "Already weeping at For the love of Paul O'Grady," while a third said: "Tissues at the ready #fortheloveofpaulogrady."
"I'm not crying, you are... We really have lost the true meaning of a National Treasure. Well done, @ ITV - a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man #ForTheLoveOfPaulOGrady," a fourth said and another shared: "Well that was a wonderful tribute but I’m in absolute bits after watching. We lost a real gem, didn’t we? #fortheloveofpaulogrady."
