Paul O’Grady’s family say he would have been “humbled” by the “outpouring of love and kindness” at his funeral.

The beloved TV presenter was laid to rest yesterday after he died “unexpectedly but peacefully” at his Kent home on March 28.

Scores of fans lined the streets of Aldington, near Ashford, to pay their final respects to the star, many accompanied by their pet dogs.

Staff and rescues from Battersea were among those who watched a horse drawn hearse travel through the village he made home more than 20 years ago before a private service was held.

A post today shared on Mr O’Grady’s Instagram page thanked those who came to bid him farewell.

It said: “Yesterday was a very sad day. We said goodbye to our beloved Paul O’Grady.

“We thank everyone who despite the weather came to pay their respects at the procession, humans and furry friends.

“He would have been very humbled. The outpouring of love and kindness over the last three weeks has been truly amazing.”

Fans were left shocked by the announcement of the presenter’s death, who had only just signed a new contract with Boom Radio station having left BBC Radio 2.

His husband, Andre Portasio, revealed the news in a statement on March 29 while villagers in Aldington paid tribute to their celebrity neighbour.

Mr O’Grady rose to fame as his platinum wig-wearing drag queen alter ego Lily Savage and went on to host a string of television shows including For the Love of Dogs.

Following his death, Battersea set up a “tribute fund” which has raised more than £270,000 for the charity.

On his official death certificate, it confirms the star's death was from sudden cardiac arrhythmia which the British Heart Foundation describes as a cardiac arrest with no known cause.

Mr O'Grady openly spoke about his struggles with heart disease having suffered three heart attacks before the age of 65.