Alexander McQueen leaves money for dogs to be pampered

Alexander McQueen, who killed himself at his home in Mayfair in 2010, left a total of £16m in his will

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen has left £50,000 in his £16m will so his pet dogs can be pampered for the rest of their lives.

McQueen, 40, who was found dead in his flat in central London last year, also gave four charities £100,000 each.

They include Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London, and The Blue Cross animal welfare charity in Burford, Oxfordshire.

Both of McQueen's housekeepers received £50,000 of his £16m fortune.

Cesar and Marlene Garcia were recognised for their "long and faithful service", the will said.

It was Mr Garcia who discovered his employer's body in a wardrobe in his Mayfair home on 11 February 2010.

'Lovely surprise'

McQueen also bequeathed £250,000 to each of his two brothers and three sisters, while his godson and each of his nieces and nephews received £50,000.

The other charities to benefit were the London Buddhist Centre and the Terrence Higgins Trust.

The remainder of his estate was placed in a trust for his Sarabande charity.

The designer asked its trustees to consider giving money in the form of bursaries to students at Central St Martin's College of Art and Design in London, where he had studied.

The money was "a lovely surprise" from "a devoted animal lover" and supporter of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said Spencer Wisdom, the centre's legacy manager.

And Kim Hamilton, chief executive of The Blue Cross, said McQueen's donation was "a touching tribute" which highlighted his "obvious love for his dogs".

McQueen killed himself after battling depression, stress and the grief of his mother's death.