The Queen received heartbreaking news today, after her longtime friend Paul O' Grady suddenly passed away at the age of 67. In an official statement, the TV presenter's husband Andre Portasio said he died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening.
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A sudden passing
On Tuesday, 28 March 2023, Andre Portasio said in a statement:
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
He also added a sweet message to the presenter's fans:
I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.
Thousands of rescue dogs will be safe & secure in their loving homes across the country today because of Paul. It’s a wonderful legacy to such a caring compassionate man #PaulOGradypic.twitter.com/t2giGgGK0j
— dominic dyer (@domdyer70) March 29, 2023
Paul O' Grady rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona, Lily Savage, who presented game shows such as Blankety Blank with her strong scouse accent.
One of life’s greats. A towering giant in British Culture and comedy. Will be so missed. #PaulOGradypic.twitter.com/eEpoWSB30g
— Jakub (@loganutchy) March 29, 2023
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A frienship between dog-lovers
Later in his career, Paul O' Grady spoke about his love for dogs, and even hosted shows where he could put his passion to use. It is thanks to this shared passion that the presenter and Queen Camilla became close friends over the years.
The Queen is the patron of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and she appeared on Paul O' Grady's television program For The Love of Dogs, during which viewers got to see her interact with her own dog, Beth.
Sad to hear of the sudden death of Paul O’Grady, who did so much for @Battersea_ 🐶
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 29, 2023
Last met him in the summer, when he celebrated Battersea’s 150th anniversary with the then Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall who is royal patron.
RIP #PaulOGradyhttps://t.co/IVUOJOQ4Jepic.twitter.com/bNo5mhaQUm
When asked about his friendship with the Queen, Paul O' Grady said:
Camilla's a really funny woman — you can have a great laugh with her and you don't feel like you're on ceremony. I always get a big hug and kiss from her, too, which always shocks everybody.
The Queen has said she is 'deeply saddened' by the death of her friend.
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. pic.twitter.com/N13aBuBYCm
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 29, 2023
Paul O' Grady also called her a 'lovely lady who's passionate about dogs'.
Devastated to hear of the the death of #PaulOGrady whom I had the pleasure of meeting many times and was simply adorable. He was a good friend of the Queen Consort with whom he bonded over their passion for @Battersea_ (here they are together last year). Condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/UIGgWxMDCL
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) March 29, 2023
Read more:Queen Elizabeth II allegedly tried to sabotage Charles and Camilla’s relationship
Sources used:
Hello!: Heartbreak for Queen Camilla following shock death
