Queen Consort Camilla 'deeply saddened' by shock death of friend, TV presenter Paul O'Grady
Camilla has been dealing with the shock loss of a friend on the eve of her first state visit as Queen Consort.
The royal will travel with King Charles to Germany on Wednesday, after the first half of their trip to France was cancelled at the last minute on Friday, amid violent protests.
Hours before departing, the royal family have revealed the Queen Consort, 75, is "deeply saddened to hear of the death of" Paul O'Grady, 76.
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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, stands next to television presenter Paul O'Grady while holding her two adopted dogs Bluebell and Beth during a visit to the the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London on December 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty
The popular UK TV presenter, who received an MBE from then-Prince Charles in 2008, worked with Camilla when she was Duchess of Cornwall in support of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
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"Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul O'Grady, who worked closely with Her Majesty in support of [Battersea], providing lots of laughter and many waggy-tailed memories," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Twitter.
The animal shelter charity also paid tribute to their late ambassador.
"We're deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved ambassador Paul O'Grady MBE has passed away," they wrote on Twitter.
"He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul's family and friends at this difficult time."
The Radio 2 presenter and comedian, who was beloved for his drag queen personality Lilly Savage, died "peacefully" at his home on Tuesday evening.
The Radio 2 presenter and comedian, who was beloved for his drag queen personality Lilly Savage, died "peacefully" at his home on Tuesday evening. Stuart C. Wilson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
His partner, Andre Portasio, whom O'Grady married in 2017, confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday.
"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening," he said.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion."
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