Camilla “deeply saddened” at loss of dear friend Paul O’Grady
<p>Camilla was preparing for her first state visit as Queen Consort when she received news that nobody ever wants to hear - her friend had passed away. </p>
<p>The Queen Consort was set to fly to Germany with husband King Charles - after their trip was initially derailed by protests in France - when the news broke, with Camilla said to be “deeply saddened”.</p>
<p>And her spokesperson shared that she will offer her sympathies for Paul’s family “privately in due course.” </p>
<p>Camilla and Paul had worked together while she was Duchess of Cornwall, supporting the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. That same establishment also paid tribute to the late Paul, declaring him to have been “a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart.”</p>
<p>The two even appeared together on screen as recently as 2022 for a special episode of ITV’s <em>For the Love of Dogs</em>. The series followed the staff at Battersea, and was one that Paul himself had helped to launch a decade prior. </p>
<p>As for his time spent with Camilla, the royal family’s official statement revealed the two had shared many fond memories, as well as a good share of laughter with one another. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP Paul 💙💐 <a href="https://t.co/1CN7FtWu42">pic.twitter.com/1CN7FtWu42</a></p>
<p>— no context queen camilla (@nocontxtcamilla) <a href="https://twitter.com/nocontxtcamilla/status/1641018412510896128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p>Paul - who throughout his career entertained audiences as a comedian and presenter, and left them in awe with his drag queen persona Lily Savage - died at home at the age of 67. </p>
<p>It was Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio, who confirmed the news. </p>
<p>“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” he said. </p>
<p>“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit, and compassion.</p>
<p>“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."</p>
<p>Paul’s friends - in life and in the industry - returned the favour, taking to social media to thank Paul for his compassion and his service through the years, and to share the overwhelming love they had for the late star. </p>
<p>As presenter Carol Vorderman said on BBC radio’s <em>Today</em>, “he just fizzed, he was one of those people that just made you feel every part of you was alive.</p>
<p>"He exploded through the daft, made-up rules of society. He was a massive talent, but you can't forget he was a social worker when he was younger, he saved babies and young children from abuse, he lived in Soho before it was gentrified, he never judged the vulnerable, the weak, the misunderstood."</p>
<p>One thing everyone could agree on was that Paul was a “lovely, lovely person”, would be sorely missed by many, and had dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others. </p>
<p>As one former co-worker explained, “he wanted anyone and everyone to be able to apply so they could get a break like he had … a kind and generous man.”</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When we worked together at Ch4, Paul O’Grady insisted that new roles on his show were advertised in the local Job Centre. He wanted anyone and everyone to be able to apply so they could get a break like he had. And it made the show better. A kind and generous man. <a href="https://t.co/aQbs2ZUkww">pic.twitter.com/aQbs2ZUkww</a></p>
<p>— Mark Downie (@markmdownie) <a href="https://twitter.com/markmdownie/status/1640983433621954561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p>“My condolences to Paul’s friends and family at this sad time. Paul was a defender of the most vulnerable in society, and he made it very clear. On occasions,” one fan wrote in response. “I have nothing but deep respect for the man.”</p>
<p>“Incredible thing to do. Incredible man. A true loss,” another said. </p>
<p>“I'm devastated by this news. I grew up watching him in many different shows,” said one, in words shared by many. “I loved his humour, his passion for life and i's comforts and of course his compassionate heart for animals. </p>
<p>“Paul O'Grady you were a true treasure and you will be dearly and sorely missed.”</p>
<p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>
