Queen Consort Camilla has said she is "deeply saddened" by the death of legendary broadcaster Paul O'Grady.
Paul worked closely with Her Majesty as they both supported Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and in tribute to the star, ITV have axed The Chase to air a Royal special of ‘For the Love of Dogs’ on Wednesday afternoon. Paul's husband Andre Portasio said in his statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion."
He added: “I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Paying tribute to the late star, the Royal Family noted his close working relationship with Her Majesty as they both worked with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Sharing a picture of Paul and Camilla, they wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of @Battersea_, providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories."
Tributes flooded in for the late star on Wednesday, after his tragic passing on Tuesday evening. Lorraine Kelly described him as the 'kindest and funniest man'.
Taking to Instagram, the Scots broadcaster wrote: "Paul O Grady. The kindest, funniest man - warm, witty and wise. Dogs are the best judge of character and they LOVED him. #rip #love."
Carol Vorderman tweeted: "Paul O'Grady. Already giving them raucous, ripping up the rulebook, mischief making, calling it out, loving hell in heaven. Paul, what are we meant to do without you?"
The former Countdown presenter paid another touching tribute to the late Lily Savage icon, saying he "exploded through the daft, made-up rules of society”.
Carol told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “When you were with Paul, and even when you watched him on screen … he was one of those people who just made your blood feel like you were alive.
“There was every part of you that was alive, and you never knew what was going to happen.”
Carol said Paul had no fear, adding: “He’d be calling out the TV execs way before (Gary) Lineker, when it wasn’t popular. You had to love him for that, he didn’t care – he’d go into the fight, and he’d go into the fight for the good.”
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden penned a sweet tribute: "Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, searingly sharp and very funny.. I loved our conversations ..I can’t quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family.."
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