After O’Grady’s funeral in Aldington, a private wake is scheduled at Port Lympne Safari Park, three miles away.

The late star often judged animal competitions at the park. In a tribute after his death on March 28, staff said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul O’Grady – a local supporter of Port Lympne and the world we do.

“We were incredibly grateful to have visited him.”

Port Lympne, is home to over 900 rare and endangered animals on a 600 acre reserve.

Andre Portasio is a former professional ballet dancer. He started dating artist Paul O’Grady in 2006, before the couple tied the knot in the summer of 2017.

Portasio used to perform with the English National Ballet.

The two tied the knot in a 30-minute ceremony in the gardens of The Goring hotel in central London on August 5, 2017.

Guests such as actors Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman and comedian Julian Clary attended the reception.

Ahead of O’Grady’s funeral, the BBC paid tribute by airing a quiz show episode blank cover featuring the drag alter ego of late star, Lily Savage.

Although Paul O’rady has a private funeral service, her husband Andre Portasio has posted in local Facebook groups urging the local school and community to line the streets of his local village to mourn the comedian.

Residents are asked to hang out on Roman Road, Forge Hill or New Road Hill in Aldington and Bonnington, Kent between 2.10pm and 2.45pm today, and Portasio asked all visitors to ‘respect the villagers and the area’.

The funeral of Paul O’Grady, the beloved TV presenter and comedian who broke out with his drag queen character Lily Savage, takes place today following her death last month at the age of 67 – but he said one day it would be “unbelievable” if it was 60.

His partner Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement that O’Grady died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28.

“He will be sorely missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all who appreciated his humor, wit and compassion,” Portasio said.

“I know he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

O’Grady’s cause of death has not been officially confirmed by his representatives, but he has had several health issues over the years.

Isobel Lewis wrote a guide to the TV icon’s funeral today, including times, locations and people to watch on the guest list:

Residents of Paul O’Grady’s hometown of Aldington, Kent, have been invited to attend his funeral procession.

O’Grady lived in Aldington, near Ashford, for over 20 years and was a well-known face in the village.

On his death, residents paid tribute to a “fabulous” neighbor.

Linda Harman, a local councillor, said KentOnline“Paul has been a loyal member and supporter of this village, most recently judging our dog show last summer.

“He always gave his time and sometimes his money very freely to support this village. He is, as everyone has described him, a fabulous, kind, normal person who has never had celebrity status.

Neighbor Françoise Montford said Paul was “a great asset to this village”.

“Paul was a very nice person and he will be missed by all of us,” she told local media.

“He did a lot for primary school. He always came to summer parties with his dogs and never asked for money.

“He had a good heart, he never bragged like other actors do, and he cared very deeply about animals.

Paul O’Grady’s funeral ceremony will feature a special tribute from the dogs of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who will form a guard of honour.

The star took in five dogs from there while he filmed his award-winning program Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs.

More than £270,000 has been raised for the London-based charity since O’Grady’s death.