Paul O'Grady funeral sees tear-jerking tribute to beloved dog Buster with coffin
A very sad moment, the coffin has arrived ready to take Paul o'Grady to his final resting place.
Paul's husband Andre Portasio was pictured holding the couple's beloved dog Conchita in his arms as Paul's coffin arrived at the ceremony by horse and cart.
Andre looked deeply saddened as he sat alongside the driver with Buster - who is a Maltese - in his arms.
Alongside Paul's coffin was a flower bouquet in the shape of his best friend and most beloved pooch, Buster, who passed in recent years.
The deeply moving flower display featured a gold collar with Buster's name engraved on it as it sat at the top of Paul's coffin.
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Alongside Paul's coffin was a flower bouquet in the shape of his best friend and his beloved pooch, Buster (PA)A private funeral is being hosted by Paul's beloved husband Andre Portasio while a fan named Janine Ferguson, has planned a sweet event in Paul's hometown of Birkenhead, Liverpool to celebrate the Lily Savage star.
Paul's funeral began on Thursday with a procession at 2.10pm before the ceremony at 3pm.
"While the funeral will be a private ceremony, as many of you know, Paul cared a lot about his local community," Paul's widow Andre began when revealing plans to local residents earlier this month.
Paul O'Grady funeral sees tear-jerking tribute to beloved dog Buster with coffin (PA)"We have therefore requested that the funeral procession passes through Aldington before heading to the church, as a way of marking Paul's affection for the area. We would therefore like to invite all locals to join us in paying our respects to Paul in Aldington Village between 14:10 - 14:45 on Thursday.
"In order to avoid road congestion and public disorder, we kindly ask all residents to treat this invitation personally and if attending to stand on either Roman Road, Forge Hill, or New Road Hill so to respect the villagers and the local area.
"Please note for public safety Church Road as well as Knoll Hill will be closed on the day of the procession.
Andre looked deeply saddened as he held Paul's beloved pooch in his arms (SWNS)"We kindly ask everyone to respect the family's wishes and maintain social distancing throughout the event. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time."
Paul's fans have moved to tears over the beautiful tributes for the animal-loving TV star as dogs line the streets to celebrate the star's life.
TV star Paul, who was an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, is being laid to rest in Aldington, Kent.
Paul O'Grady's hearse passes through the village of Adlington, Kent with his husband and his beloved dog (SWNS)Dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home formed a guard of honour as part of his private Kent funeral service in Kent and were on route of his cortège before greeting guests with another two dogs at the church.
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TV icon Paul died "unexpectedly and peacefully" at home aged 67 on March 28.
The sad news was confirmed in a statement by his husband Andre, which read: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
Buster was a huge part of Paul's funeral (PA)"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.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Days before his funeral, Paul's official death certificate confirmed the TV star died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
Paul previously called Buster his best friend (PA)
Paul was never too far from his beloved pooch (Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)Stars including Ronnie Wood, Jo Brand and soap stars were among dozens of famous faces who turned up to pay tribute to Paul at his funeral today.
As his husband Andre Portasio broke the heartbreaking news Paul had died last month, Carol Vorderman, Julian Clary and former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband were just some of the famous names to pay tribute to the much-loved comic.
Remembering Paul for his activism, former Countdown star Carol, 62, said: "He was not only brilliant as an entertainer, he was a force for good."
Crowds have gathered to pay their respects to Paul (PA)MP Miliband added: "He wasn't just a fighter for the underdog, somebody who was willing to use his platform to speak up for people who didn't have a platform, didn't have a voice, but he could do it in a totally compelling way, much more compelling than any politician."
Julian, who had a close friendship with Paul for many years, posted a snap of himself with the late star to his Twitter page as he paid tribute to his beloved pal.
He wrote as a caption: "Farewell to my fierce and funny friend. I'm going to miss you. #RIPPaulO'Grady."
Paul was an exceptionally popular figure in the showbiz world, with the late dad-of-one counting many legendary celebrities and political figures as his close friends.
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