…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
Paul O’Grady had previously discussed his own funeral arrangements with his friend, the late Cilla Black, according to a clip shown on BBC Breakfast on the day of his funeral.
Paul passed away unexpectedly on March 28, and his private funeral is set to feature a guard of honour with dogs from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and an appearance from the Salvation Army Band.
Fans have been invited to line the streets to mourn the TV legend, and a private memorial is also planned for Port Lympne Safari Park.
Paul spoke about his own funeral arrangements while giving a speech at Cilla’s funeral in August 2015.
He stated, “I firmly believed that Cilla was indestructible and I would go definitely go first with the state of my heart.
In fact, we discussed my funeral at length, me and Cilla, and she had a major role in it involving a mantilla lilies, but I’m going to have to rethink that now.”
Paul’s widow, Andre Portasio, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and love she has received since Paul’s passing.
She stated that a private funeral will be held on Thursday, April 20, and, as a mark of respect, the funeral procession will pass through Aldington before heading to the church, in recognition of Paul’s affection for the area.
She invited locals to pay their respects to Paul in Aldington Village between 14:10 – 14:45 on Thursday, and requested that attendees stand on either Roman Road, Forge Hill, or New Road Hill to avoid road congestion and public disorder.