Congratulations are in order for Kate Garraway! (Picture: PA)
Kate Garraway had plenty of reasons to smile today as she collected her MBE from Prince William.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 56, was supported by her husband Derek Draper, 55, as she was officially made a Member of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle.
The honour recognises Kate’s services to broadcasting, journalism, and to charity.
Wearing a very elegant cream pleated skirt and long-sleeved blouse, Kate shook the Prince’s hand and curtsied as she accepted her medal.
Watching on, a dapper-looking Derek beamed with pride as he sat in his wheelchair.
At one point, Kate pointed her husband out to William, who flashed him a smile.
The TV presenter collected her MBE from Prince William in Windsor (Picture: PA)
Husband Derek Draper watched on with pride (Picture: PA)
Kate was made an MBE following a difficult few years for her family after Derek became the worst-affected person known to have survived contracting Covid-19.
He first contracted the virus in 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital.
Derek was also put in a medically-induced coma at the time and still requires around-the-clock care.
Raising awareness and educating people on his condition and recovery, Kate has made a series of documentaries, showing what it’s been like behind closed doors as she cares for him.
Her sequel, Caring For Derek, aired last year and showed the period following Derek’s return home as Kate navigated the challenges of the social care system.
Most recently, after many ups and downs and complications in Derek’s recovery, Kate revealed that Derek has been making progress.
She pointed her husband out and the Prince flashed him a smile (Picture: PA)
Kate looked lovely in a cream ensemble for the special event (Picture: PA)
She was awarded the honour for her services to broadcasting, journalism, and charity (Picture: PA)
‘We’ve got some positive things with Derek and even though the struggles are still the same, I took a decided… we need to fill our days with good stuff,’ she said on Loose Women.
When asked if the family have been able to speak to Derek, Kate said that it was ‘more of a whisper’.
‘I don’t think we are necessarily going to have a conversation but you get fantastic moments,’ she said.
‘This is so silly, but Billy (their son) had a new basketball and he was bouncing it and suddenly Derek said, “Is that a new ball?” and we all just gasped.
‘And Billy goes, “Yes, yes it is” and he goes, “It’s nice” and seeing him able to interact, it is something you take for granted, but then Billy was in tears.’
She added: ‘It’s things like that which really lift you up, but then the next day he can be completely still.’
Kate has been documenting caring for Derek after he contracted Covid in 2020 (Picture: Mirrorpix)
Derek has also been going on more outings recently, not just to Windsor but also to live gigs.
In April, he and Kate enjoyed a very special moment at a Sir Elton John gig, with the Rocket Man serenading them after spotting them in the crowd.
Derek has also been spotted heading to family pub lunches and getting fresh air in London with his carer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Sir Paul McCartney blames Bruce Springsteen for exhausting long live gigs
MORE : Jonathan Majors ‘files domestic violence complaint’ against alleged victim ahead of trial
Derek beamed with pride as she received the honour.