'DEREK'S BEEN VERY EMOTIONAL. SAYING "I'M SO PROUD"

CHEERED ON BY HER HUSBAND DEREK DRAPER, KATE GARRAWAY IS AWARDED AN MBE

- EVE MACDONALD

Ever since Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020, she has remained devotedly by his side. Poignantly, he was able to accompany her to one of her biggest honours to date – being awarded an MBE for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity at Windsor Castle last Wednesday.

Wearing a chic embellished dress and matching hat, Kate smiled for photographs with Derek, her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, and children Darcey and Billy, who were also in attendance.

The Good Morning Britain presenter said, “It’s an incredible thing because I definitely don’t feel I deserve it, but it is something very special. I didn’t think it would be but you do feel very emotional – in a good way.

Presenting her with the prestigious award of becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire was the Prince of Wales, who the 56-year-old described as “wonderful”.

“He makes it very easy and very comfortable and he obviously cares a lot about it. It’s a very special day and he’s very good because he makes everything very special for everybody.”

Beaming with pride, Derek watched his wife collect the award from a wheelchair nearby. The former political adviser, 55, was left with multiple health issues after being hospitalised with the coronavirus and continues to require round-the-clock care. Saying it was “amazing” he could attend, Kate explained, “Derek’s been doing so much better.”