Paul O'Grady's funeral to be held at animal haven in Kent

2023-04-16

Paul O’Grady’s funeral will be held at animal haven in Kent that the drag queen-turned-broadcaster loved after his death at age 67 from cardiac arrhythmia

Paul O’Grady’s funeral is to take place at Port Lympne Safari Park in Hythe, Kent
O’Grady lived in the Kent village of Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne
It is thought there will be a service at a nearby church before celebrating his life

Paul O’Grady’s funeral is set to take place at Port Lympne Safari Park, where he was a regular visitor.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal plans are under way to mark his life at the reserve, owned by conservationist Damian Aspinall, as those close to him believe he would have wanted the animals he adored to ‘be around’.

O’Grady lived in the Kent village of Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne. His ties to the reserve were so close that he even judged competitions for them.

It is thought there will be a service at a nearby church before a celebration of the drag queen-turned-broadcaster is held at the venue.

One source said: ‘Paul loved Port Lympne. He got to know some of its residents very well and it was thought by his nearest and dearest that it would be a beautiful idea to hold his funeral there so they are in attendance, too. Staff hope they can do him proud.’

Paul O’Grady’s funeral is set to take place at Port Lympne Safari Park in Hythe, Kent

O’Grady lived in the Kent village of Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne

Following his death, Port Lympne paid tribute to him on its Instagram page, writing: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paul O’Grady – a local supporter of Port Lympne and the work we do. We were incredibly grateful to have had him visit us.’

O’Grady died in his bed with husband Andre Portasio by his side on March 28, aged 67. The cause of death was listed yesterday as cardiac arrhythmia – he suffered heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014, and his parents died of heart issues, too.

The 600 acres at Port Lympne are home to more than 900 rare and endangered animals, including monkeys, lions and tigers.

It also boasts Port Lympne Mansion Hotel, which has hosted prestigious guests including Sir Winston Churchill and and Prince Edward. There is also a restaurant named Babydoll after the reserve’s much-loved gorilla who died aged 55 in 2018.

In recent years, the venue has become popular with high-profile visitors including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and retired England footballer Rio Ferdinand.

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