Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper managed to attend her MBE investiture ceremony on Wednesday at Windsor Castle (Picture: PA/Getty)
Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper both started and ended last week in hospital, but still managed to watch her collect an MBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
The Good Morning Britain presenter was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity – and received the award from Prince William this on Wednesday with Derek watching from a wheelchair nearby.
Former political adviser Derek, 55, fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020, which left him with long-lasting damage to his organs and needing daily care.
Posting pictures of the special occasion on Instagram, Kate wrote in the caption: ‘Well what a week, that started with Derek in hospital and ended with Derek in hospital, but with this extraordinary day in the middle.’
It’s reported that her husband was checked into hospital after falling ill last week, later being discharged ahead of returning to the ward on Monday for further tests, according to MailOnline.
She went on: ‘I am so incredibly moved and humbled by the whole experience.
The presenter received her gong from Prince William (Picture: PA)
Her husband Derek has been suffering with complications after contracting Covid back in March 2020 (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)
‘So many of you have sent so many lovely messages, including the lady who stopped her car a few minutes ago outside our house to say “I know what you’re going through, and I know how much that moment meant and I am a nurse”.’
‘It was so wonderful to see Derek’s determination to be there, so kind of the Prince of Wales to make it special for him and to recognise the work of Jake our incredible carer, who represents all those who make Derek’s daily life possible, and of course my long-suffering, Mum and Dad!’ she added.
Kate said William made everyone receiving honours ‘feel as special as they are’ and described the ceremony as humbling ‘to meet all the others much more deserving than myself’.
Photos from the day showed Derek in a blue suit and striped tie, while his wife wore a cream dress with a bejewelled collar and a matching headpiece for the investiture ceremony.
She and William were seen waving to him as he watched on in his wheelchair, alongside Kate’s parents and his carer Jake.
Kate revealed that ‘the daily struggles go on’ (Picture: PA)
The star with Derek and her parents, Gordon and Marilyn, on Wednesday at Windsor (Picture: PA)
The 56-year-old also thanked sustainable British designer Lisa Redman for loaning her a ‘fit for a king dress’ and Miss B’s Millinery for her bespoke matching hat.
Kate continued: ‘Tomorrow Derek is back in hospital and of course the daily struggles go on – but the fact that he was able to be part of Wednesday is to be treasured and can’t thank everyone in the @NHS and all around him who love him for making it possible.’
William looks on to greet Derek as Kate points him out during their conversation during her investiture (Picture: PA)
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The TV presenter has since made two documentaries detailing her family’s life as Draper battles the long-term effects of coronavirus, with both programmes winning National Television Awards in the authored documentary category.
She has also written two books – The Power Of Hope: The Moving Memoir From ITV’s Kate Garraway and The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism – following Derek’s ongoing health struggle.
There are plans for her to front a third documentary exposing the ‘broken’ care system.
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The presenter reflected on her ‘extraordinary’ day as ‘the daily struggles go on’.