Kate Garraway was joined by her husband Derek Draper as she collected her MBE from Prince William on Wednesday (28.06.23).
Kate Garraway was joined by her husband Derek Draper and her parents as she collected her MBE from Windsor Castle
The 'Good Morning Britain' presenter, who was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism, and charity, admitted it was "very special" to pick up the gong at Windsor Castle, with Derek - who is still receiving 24/7 care after being struck down with coronavirus in March 2020, which left him with long-lasting organ damage - watching on.
Kate - who was also joined by her parents, Gordon and Marilyn Garraway - told ITV News: "It's an incredible thing because I definitely don't feel I deserve it but it is something very special.
"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."
Kate admitted Derek has been "doing so much better", despite some recent "drama".
She said: "I was in the New Year's honours list at the beginning of 2022 and obviously with Covid and the back log, and we had various things going on with us too.
"Derek's been doing so much better but then we have had a bit of a drama over the last 10 days, and I thought, 'Oh gosh,' but he is here, and it is amazing. Everybody inside has been amazing."
Kate also told how Derek burst into tears when the Prince of Wales looked at him.
Speaking about being honoured by William, Kate added: "He was lovely, and he said he was very pleased to give it to me.
"He asked me how Derek is, and I said that he's here and then they looked at each other and Derek burst into tears.
"Derek's been very emotional all day today, saying 'I'm so proud'. It's a lovely thing."
Kate has scooped two National Television Awards after making two documentaries, 'Kate Garraway: Finding Derek' and 'Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek', about her family life in the wake of Derek's coronavirus battle and how they have coped as he deals with the long-term effects of COVID.
In January 2022, Kate admitted it felt "very awkward", but she was "incredibly honoured", to be recognised with an MBE.
Speaking on 'GMB', she said: "It's strange isn't it, because I actually feel very awkward about it all really.
"I don't know why because I'm thrilled to bits and incredibly honoured, but you just sort of think, 'What, me?' is the first thing you think, isn't it, and then you think it's not real."
Tagged in Kate Garraway Prince William