Paul O'Grady's funeral taking place today

The comedian died last month

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 20th Apr 2023
Last updated 20th Apr 2023

Paul O'Grady's funeral takes place today after the comedian died last month aged 67 from cardiac arrhythmia.

The funeral will take place in the village of Aldington in Kent where Paul lived.

Although the service itself will be a private ceremony, Paul's husband Andre has invited locals to line the streets as the funeral cortege passes through the village.

The service will feature a guard of honour with dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in a special nod to O'Grady who became an ambassador for the animal charity in 2012.

Following his death, Battersea set up a “tribute fund” which has raised more than £270,000 for the charity.

The Salvation Army Band is also expected to play during the private service on Thursday.

Memorial at Safari Park

As well as the funeral a private memorial will be held for Paul O'Grady at the nearby Port Lympne Safari Park, which Paul supported.

Dogs to line the streets of Birkenhead in tribute to Paul O'Grady

Hundreds of people and their pets are expected to line the streets of Paul's hometown of Birkenhead today to pay their respects to the presenter.

Janine Ferguson has organised the gathering which will include cats and dogs from rescue homes as well as local people.

The crowd will also sing You'll Never Walk Alone during the gathering.

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