29 March 2023 , 06:39
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Tributes have flooded in for beloved presenter Paul O’Grady - and there will probably be a tear in the eye of the Queen Consort who shared a “special relationship” with the star.
The nation was shocked this morning to learn of the death of the TV and radio star at the age of 67.
He previously shared he had a special bond with the King’s wife Camilla, and would always have a “great laugh” with the royal.
He previously told MailOnline’s Richard Eden: “Camilla’s a really funny woman.
“You can have a great laugh with her and you don’t feel like you’re on ceremony.
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Paul said Queen Camilla is "really funny" (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The pair greet one another at the NHS Heroes Awards in 2018 (Phil Coburn / Daily Mirror)“I always get a big hug and kiss from her, too, which always shocks everybody.”
Last year the pair filmed a Christmas special of For the Love of Dogs, with Camilla hosting a garden party to celebrate Battersea’s 160th anniversary.
She then joined Paul at their Brands Hatch site as they sought homes for the animals.
Paul previously described the Queen Consort as: “A lovely lady who’s passionate about dogs.
The star rose to fame with his drag persona Lily Savage (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)
The Queen Consort is also a self-confessed dog lover (Stuart C. Wilson/WPA Pool/REX/Shutterstock)“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.
“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.
“A great day and the episode will be out later this year.”
The pair had been filming a special of For the Love of Dogs (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)The presenter, who rose to fame with his iconic scouse drag queen persona Lily Savage, died “unexpectedly and peacefully” on Tuesday night, according to his husband Andre Portasio.
He said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
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"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."
Tributes have flooded in for the popular presenter (Oliver Dixon/REX/Shutterstock)During his career, he hosted The Paul O’Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of .
He also hosted ITV celebrity game show, Paul O’Grady’s Saturday Night Line Up.
He began his career performing as Lily Savage in the 1970s whilst working as a peripatetic care officer for Camden Council, going on to tour northern England as part of drag duo the Playgirls.
He later settled into a solo show as Savage that ran for eight years at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and made a name for himself speaking out about LGBT issues.