Queen Camilla has paid an emotional tribute to TV star Paul O'Grady saying she is "deeply saddened" by his death and will cherish "waggy-tailed memories".
Sadly, it was announced earlier today that Paul had died "unexpectedly but peacefully" aged 67 on Tuesday evening.
He was very close with the Royal Family and had a particularly "special relationship" with the Queen Consort, who worked with him closely to support the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
A palace source said Camilla was "deeply saddened" by the death of Paul, who was described as having a "warm heart and infectious humour that lit up the lives of so many".
The source added the Queen Consort would be sharing her sympathies privately with Paul's family in due course.
Meanwhile, the Royal Family's official Twitter account said: "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." It also shared a charming photo of Camilla and Paul together last year with a rescued West Highland Terrier. .
The pair filmed a Christmas special of For the Love of Dogs last year, with Camilla hosting a garden party to celebrate Battersea's 160th anniversary. As part of their tributes, ITV will be reshowing the episode featuring the Queen Consort at 5pm today.
Last year, Camilla joined Paul at Battersea's Brands Hatch site as they sought homes for animals and he previously described her as "a lovely lady who's passionate about dogs".
"There was a competition to see who's dog would run straight to their owner ignoring the food, squeaky toys etc put in their way," he said.
"The Duchess's dog ran straight to her, ignoring the temptation put in her way whilst Sausage headed straight for the press and photographers not a bit interested in the competition.
"She was obviously more interested in raising her profile and posing for the paps."
Opening up on their bond and "having a great laugh", he told MailOnline: "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."
Paul rose to fame on the nightclub circuit as the acerbic, platinum wig-wearing Lily Savage and has been hailed as a "trailblazer" for breaking into the mainstream broadcasting landscape with his alter ego.
During his career, he hosted The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV's multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. He also hosted ITV celebrity game show, Paul O'Grady's Saturday Night Line Up.
He took over the reins from Blind Date’s long-running presenter and his close friend Cilla Black, who died in 2015, as he hosted the Channel 5 reboot of the show in 2017.
In August 2022 he presented his final BBC Radio 2 show, having hosted the Sunday afternoon programme for nearly 14 years.
Tributes to Paul are now pouring in, with celebrities, TV stars and charities he worked with reflecting on his kind and caring personality.
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described O'Grady as "a really special man", stating: "Such sad news. Paul O’Grady – funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise.
"Will be sorely missed. A really special man."
On Good Morning Britain, host Susanna Reid said: "He was so funny and so compassionate and so loving."
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?"
Close pal Amanda Holden said: "Woken up to this sad, sad news. I loved Paul. He was brilliantly opinionated, seeringly sharp and very funny. I loved our conversations. I can't quite believe it. Thoughts with Andre and their family."
Announcing the tragic news in a statement, husband Andre Portasio said: "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.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
