Kate Garraway headed to Windsor Castle on Wednesday, the place she was awarded her MBE for companies to broadcasting, journalism and charity by the Prince of Wales. And now, days after the distinguished ceremony befell, the TV star has revealed the royal’s unimaginable kindness to each herself and her husband, Derek Draper.
© AlamyDuring a chat with Ben Shephard on Thursday, Kate opened up about her heartwarming dialog with Prince William. After a clip from the ceremony was shared on Good Morning Britain, Kate mentioned: “Derek burst into tears. The Prince of Wales said, ‘How’s Derek?’, and I said, ‘Well he’s here’.
“So we rotated, after which clearly noticed Derek who was very tearful after which spoke about Jake [Derek’s carer] and gave Jake a wave as properly.”
MORE: Ben Shephard pens emotional post to Kate Garraway
READ: Derek Draper beams with pride as Kate Garraway receives royal honour
Kate’s husband Derek is still suffering from the effects of COVID-19 after he contracted the disease in March 2020 and spent 13 months in the hospital. He requires round-the-clock care as he continues his health battle.
During the segment on GMB, Kate added: “He [Prince William] mentioned he needed to go over however he is not allowed to depart the rug, there is a very fancy crimson and gold carpet that he stands on.
It’s not the primary time that Kate has spoken about her MBE ceremony. In an interview with ITV, the 56-year-old mentioned: “It’s an incredible thing because I definitely don’t feel I deserve it but it is something very special.”
© Alamy“The whole event is very special, the Prince of Wales handles it beautifully. You’re in with incredible people, who you hear the stories of. It’s also lovely for my mum and dad, and for Derek to be here with the children. I didn’t think it would be but you do feel very emotional – in a good way.”
“He [Prince William] was lovely and he said he was very pleased to give it to me,” she added.
© GettyThroughout the day, Kate and Derek have been joined by her mother and father Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, in addition to their two kids – Darcey and Billy. In a candy second, Kate’s Good Morning Britain co-stars Ben Shephard, Richard Arnold, Ranvir Singh and Laura Tobin later joined the household for a celebratory meal.
Ranvir posted a photograph from the festivities on Instagram, writing: “We got there eventually! A beautiful afternoon with the one and only @kategarraway MBE celebrating her general National Treasure-ness We salute you M’am Garraway! So moving to sit down to a meal with Derek, Billy, Darcy, and your mum and dad – alongside your other family @gmb to show you all the love we have in our hearts for you.
© Instagram“You gave a wonderful, funny, touching speech where you thanked everyone at the table but didn’t say a word about yourself – typical. We thank YOU for always enriching our lives with your whirlwind energy, wit, warmth, and intellect. We are here for all of it, for as long as you need us.. and then some.”
Ben Shephard additionally posted, writing: “She’s been making [me] laugh for over 20 years (not least with the haircuts!!) and that continued today as we celebrated, smiled, laughed and more as @kategarraway was honoured with her MBE.
© Instagram“It was so so special to see her Derek, Bill and Darcy along with her amazing parents altogether for such a special occasion. She never fails to inspire and infuriate me in equal measure and I wouldn’t have it any other way!! Can’t tell you how proud I was to see my friend honoured like this [and] to be surrounded by all their family friends and colleagues. Keep being you Kate – there is no one like you (thank goodness!!!)”
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